This is not a popular rejection of Narendra Modi either. Unlike Om Prakash Chautala before he was defeated, the mention of Modi’s name does not invite disgust. Ordinary people speak of him with respect, even admiration. Not even die-hard Congress supporters can name a Congress leader who can match Modi. He is undoubtedly the most popular leader in the state today as he responds to an average Gujarati’s wish for a strong and decisive leadership. But unlike 2002, people do not start talking about Modi the moment you start talking politics. This election is not about Modi.

Democracy’s revenge is taking an unusual and perhaps unholy form in this election. Modi’s success depended upon shutting down the routine and normal business of politics, on not having to share power with anyone. He managed to close down the routine patronage system, denying rewards even to organisations of the Sangh parivar. He bypassed party organisation and politicians by working through bureaucrats and appealing directly to the people. MLAs and even senior state level leaders of his party could not get an appointment with him. He refused to pay any attention not just to the opposition, but also to media and civil society. He has been mindful of caste and local equations, but planned the election in such a way that these messy factors should not become overriding.

The last three assembly elections in the state, all of which the BJP won comfortably, were extra-ordinary elections around one over-riding emotive issue: Ayodhya Mandir in 1995, Hajuria-Khajuria split in 1998 and the post-Godhra massacre in 2002. This election was to be about Gujarati asmita, about a state that has discovered its identity and vibrancy, thanks to Modi. In short this election was to be a plebiscite on Modi.

... contd.