Religion over region or caste – five big trends in Indian politics

The way the Indian voter thinks is changing fast, and no political formation can ignore these developments. Here are five strong trends in Indian politics that are expected to get stronger:1. Diminishing value of dynasts: There was a time when Indians loved dynasty. From actors to leaders, there was a huge advantage if your father and mother were in the same profession and had a brand of their own. Indians trusted last names. Legacy passed on seamlessly from generation to generation. Why should we watch the movie of a random guy from Ranchi, when we can watch the son of a star? Why should we vote for this ex-IRS officer protesting on the streets, when we can vote for the son of the prime minister? This was how Indians used to think. Such mindsets seemed unshakable. Now, Indians think differently. What has he done to deserve inheriting his father’s legacy? Can she act, or is she only there because her mother was an actor? Such questions are popping into people’s heads and hence the brand value transfer to dynasts can’t be taken for granted anymore. This does not mean a complete U-turn by Indians to total meritocracy and anti-nepotism. Legacy, dynasty matters. However, competence and accountability does too. The Congress, Shiv Sena and multiple children of superstars who didn’t quite make it are shining examples of the waning value of dynasty.2. Diminishing caste politics: Caste still matters. Again, we are talking trends and not absolute changes. And the trend is that voters are less particular about caste than before. In many states, the caste of the candidate still matters, but it often isn’t the primary issue. It is also why the BJP has been able to consolidate the Hindu vote. Caste discrimination hasn’t disappeared from India, but it seems to have diminished somewhat, at least to levels that pure caste-based parties like the BSP are seeing little success.3. Diminishing regional identity: India is a potpourri of distinct cultures. However, the great melting pot is truly melting regional identities, and there is a more homogeneous Indian culture appearing in several parts of India. medium nocaption92925140There are a few places where the regional identities are still strong — West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and the North-East come to mind. In these places, state politics is dominated by regional parties. However, across many large states, regional identities and regional leaders are no longer dominating politics. Marathis are a strong culture, but clearly, they don’t see the need to vote based on Marathi identity alone anymore. Even in Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana, regional parties are no longer what they used to be. In the big northern states, Rajasthan, Gujarat, UP and Bihar, regional identity politics is not the driver of political agenda. Barring a few states with extremely distinct cultures, India is homogenising as a trend.4. The rise of Hindu issues: Perhaps this is because Hindu issues were never given as much play in the past due to caste plus minority appeasement politics or maybe social media has allowed certain Hindu issues to come to the forefront. While caste and regional identities are diminishing as a political issue (though still relevant), Hindu-Muslim issues and associated politics continue to resonate with a lot of voters. There are many versions of Hindu-Muslim politics. There are extreme, shrill voices at one end, and a large group of silent but definite Hindu-issues supporting voters at the other. This isn’t an endorsement of such politics, but merely an observation. Somehow, even as India becomes more cohesive and homogeneous on caste and regional fronts, religious issues do play a big role in current politics.5. The rise of the inspiring, content-worthy leader: Make no mistake, in today’s digital world, everything is content. Everything a politician does or says is content. And worthwhile content is interesting, relevant, smart and has an emotional component to it. medium nocaption92925145If a leader cannot deliver good content that meets these parameters, he or she stands little chance at getting attention, keeping it and winning the hearts and votes of Indians. Only a few leaders can now, and they win every single time.Indian politics, most watchers would agree, is one of the most exciting reality shows on earth. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Maharashtra episode was only recent proof of that. To win, however, you must understand India, keep your ear on the ground and understand the trends. Then, most importantly, you must evolve with the trends. In politics or in your own life, if the world is changing, you must change with it to stay relevant. The few who transformed have scored big in this great democracy. Those who can’t or won’t, well, will be dropped from the show and won’t make it to the next season. medium nocaption929249631. Make Agniveers Angreziveers too and see the game change2. Beware of social media 'polarisers' out to divide India3. What India needs today is few 'mosples'--mosques + temples medium nocaption92925006