Why Modi won't - and can't - lose
Narendrabhai's victory is, as Laluji kindly pointed out, spectacular. While many now claim that it was a foregone conclusion, few actually believed so. Nikhil and i certainly did so. Post-election analysis has thrown up lots of explanations. One of which I want to blabber about is - there was no strong Congress leader who could be projected as an alternative to Narendrabhai.
What is about Modi that so enamors the people of Gujarat? Simply put Modi rules, not as just a chief minister, but like a high king. A few examples will clarify this.
Take the case of the Modi government's grand celebration of festivals like Navratri, Uttrayan and, of course, Gujarat Gaurav Diwas (the foundation day of the state). Spanning over days, these festivals are about pomp, splendour and gaiety bordering on a decadence that, arguably, a democratic government can ill afford. A throwback to festivals that ancient festivals that Roman emperor's used to throw, u say?
The selection of city where Gujarat Gaurav Diwas is celebrated is also interesting. Narendrabhai, breaking with convention, decided that the foundation day would be celebrated outside the capital. This way he not just bring festivities to the homes of his subjects (like Vadodara) but also claims ancient legacy (like that of Patan - an ancient capital of Guajrat. Interestingly, the dynasties that ruled from here were the Solankis and Vaghelas. Ring a bell?).
The questionable diversion of precious water from Narmada in Sabarmati is a case point. Not really improving any water problems (which, to Modi's credit, is anyway far lesser than before), it serves merely one purpose - to show that Modi's Gujarat would have rivers full till the brim. Of course the diversion of waters was followed by a 'mammoth rally'. The diversion of Narmada into the former delta basins of Indus in Kutch was even better packaged. Admist a huge mela in Kutch, Modi declared that he had brought Indus itself to Kutch. He was hailed as the conqouerer of Indus by his supporters. Reminds one of Rajaraja Chola also known as Gangaikonda Chola (the Chola who conqouered Ganges), no?
The Modi masks are now farely well known. What is not known as well is the spread of legends and stories of Modi (variously his humility, extraordinary physical strength, bravery and even magical powers that control beasts!) is an integral part of the Modi campaign. These carefully scripted stories and legends remind me of stuff like Prithviraj Raso.
All this came to my mind when I was watching Final Solution. There was a guy being interviewed whose father and brothers were in jail for rioting. He claimed that he had done nothing and that local BJP leaders had framed his family so that they could escape. On being asked if he harboured any resentment against Modi he said he didn't and that Narendrabhai was above reproach. Much like that scene in Lagaan where the village Mukhiya says that 'राजाजी के खीलाफ़ कोई नही बोलेगा'.
It is not my claim that Narendrabhai is the first one to have built this cult around himself. Many others do have such cults around them, but none (save the Nehru-Gandhis) to the extent of Modi. Indian democracy is a relatively small chapter in India's long history and politicians do not yet have a place in its heirarchy. People fit politicians into existing cultural stereotypes depending on how they perceive them. Corrupt politicians are like the patwari - tolerated as long as their greed remains in check. Roiter-politicians are like local thugs - thrown out once they see a strong alternative. Gandhi was a saint - a Mahatma one could worship. Modi on the other hand is Huzoor Mai-baap Sarkar - whose rule is till God takes him away.