Inspire Positivity

Introduction

In my book, “Timeless Panchatantra in Contemporary Times,” I delve into the intersection of India’s electoral politics and the timeless wisdom of the five tantras from the Panchatantra. These ancient principles—Mitrabhed (Sowing Discord Among Friends), Mitrasamprapti (Acquiring Friends with a Purpose), Kakulokiya (The Art of Duplicity), Labhpranash (Destroying the Gains of Enemies), and Aprikshitkarka (Anticipating the Unforeseen)—have found application not only in historical contexts like the Second World War but also in modern scenarios such as international diplomacy and corporate strategy.

As we find ourselves amidst the fervour of the 2024 elections, the intricate dance of political manoeuvring unfolds across India’s electoral landscape. Like skilled players on a grand chessboard, political parties strategically employ these tantras to outmanoeuvre their opponents. It is crucial to examine and understand the nuances of this high-stakes game through the lens of the Panchatantra.

Despite its profound insights, the Panchatantra is often misconstrued by the masses as a mere collection of children’s stories. However, its wisdom transcends time and remains relevant in decoding the complexities of contemporary politics. Through this exploration, I aim to shed light on how ancient wisdom continues to shape and influence modern-day strategies, offering valuable lessons for both politicians and the general populace.

Mitrabhed: Engineering Differences Among Friends

“Divide and conquer”—a maxim that resonates in politics. Mitrabhed involves creating rifts among allies to weaken opponents. Imagine a coalition partner subtly undermining another’s credibility, all while maintaining a facade of camaraderie. The objective? To gain an advantage in the electoral battle. There are several past and continuing examples of Mitrabhed. Confining our domain to last five years, a few of the events in Maharashtra are brought out below to best illustrate Mitrabhed: Enginering differences among friends:  

2019: The BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance and Political Shifts

• In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP and Shiv Sena formed a saffron alliance, winning 41 seats each in Maharashtra.
• However, political dynamics changed subsequently, leading to a split between the Shiv Sena and the NCP.

Mitrabhed Part-1: 2019 Maharashtra Government Formation

•            After the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the uneasy alliance between the BJP and the Shiv Sena came under strain.

•            The BJP, having won more seats, refused to relinquish its claim to the Chief Minister’s position.

•            Amid this tension, the Shiv Sena joined hands with the NCP and Congress to form a government.

Result : Uddhav Thackeray became the Chief Minister, marking a significant shift in Maharashtra politics

Further Events:

• Eknath Shinde, once an auto-rickshaw driver in Thane, quickly rose as a key Shiv Sena leader in the Thane-Palghar region after entering politics.
• His aggressive approach towards issues of public interest and strong organizational skills made him a prominent figure.
• Shinde played a crucial role in strengthening the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, particularly in the Thane region.

Mitrabhed Part 2: Eknath Shinde’s Faction Split from Shiv Sena (2022):

1. In June 2022, Eknath Shinde, along with a significant chunk of Shiv Sena MLAs, rebelled against then-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
2. Shinde’s faction split from the main Shiv Sena party and joined hands with the BJP.
3. This split led to the fall of the coalition government known as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which included the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress, apart from the Shiv Sena.

Result: Shinde assumes Charge as Chief Minister with support of BJP

Mitrabhed Part 3: Ajit Pawar’s Faction Split from NCP (2023):

2. In July 2023, most elected representatives led by Ajit Pawar split from the main Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under Sharad Pawar.
3. Ajit Pawar’s faction joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, causing a direct split between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar.
4. On February 7, 2024, the Election Commission of India officially recognized Ajit Pawar’s faction as the real NCP, granting them the party name and symbol.

Current Scenario and 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

• The BJP now relies heavily on its allies—the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP—to secure a substantial majority.
• As we approach the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, several key issues come to the forefront:
  1. Economic Development and Inflation:
     • India’s economy has grown rapidly under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, but the benefits are more visible in cities than rural areas.
     • Inflation remains a concern, impacting citizens’ daily lives.
  2. Welfare Policies:
     • The government’s welfare schemes, including free food rations and benefits for women, aim to address economic disparities.
  3. Hindu Reawakening:
     • The consecration of the Ram temple and focus on Hindu nationalism are significant issues.
  4. Crisis of Representation:
     • Inequalities between regions and communities raise questions about India’s federal design.

In summary, Maharashtra’s political landscape has witnessed significant shifts, from alliances to splits, and the emergence of leaders like Eknath Shinde. As we approach the 2024 elections, these dynamics will continue to shape the state’s future.

Result of 2024 Elections as a result of Mitrabhed political dynamics above: Awaited

Mitrasamprapti: Friendship with an Objective

Alliances matter. Parties forge friendships based on shared interests, ideologies, or electoral calculations. Picture two parties shaking hands, each eyeing specific constituencies. These alliances—sometimes fragile, sometimes enduring—shape electoral outcomes.

Nitish Kumar’s flip flop best illustrates Mitrasamprapti (Friendship with an Objective) as brought out below:

2015 Bihar Elections: Mahagathbandhan Formation

• In the 2015 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, formed the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance).
  • The alliance included:

1. Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)): Nitish Kumar’s party.
2. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD): Led by Lalu Prasad Yadav.
3. Indian National Congress (INC): A national party.

Result: The Mahagathbandhan successfully thwarted the BJP’s ambitions and secured a majority.

2017 Political Shift: Rejoining the NDA

• In July 2017, Nitish Kumar surprised many by resigning as Chief Minister and rejoining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP.
  • His decision was influenced by ideological differences within the Mahagathbandhan and the need for stable governance.

Result: Nitish Kumar’s move caused internal turmoil but his Mitrasamprapti (Friendship with an objective) to remain in power without too much manoeuvring of the ideological differences was successful.

2020 Bihar Elections: NDA Victory

• In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, the NDA, with Nitish Kumar as its face, secured a narrow victory.
  • The JD(U) won fewer seats than the BJP, but Kumar continued as Chief Minister.

Result: Nitish Kumar’s political manoeuvring  aptly using Mitrasamprapti ensured NDA’s return to power and remaining Chief Minister in spite of winning fewer seats.  

2022 Political Shift: Leaving NDA and Joining RJD

• In August 2022, Nitish Kumar severed ties with the BJP, accusing them of trying to “split” his JD(U).
  • He joined forces with the opposition alliance known as the Mahagathbandhan.
  • The coalition included the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and three Left parties.

Reasons for Leaving NDA and Returning to RJD

• Nitish Kumar grew discontented with the BJP, blaming them for the drastic drop in his party’s assembly seats from 71 in 2015 to 43 in 2020.
  • The BJP’s count rose from 53 to 74 during the same period, second only to the RJD’s 75.
  • Nitish Kumar also felt uneasy with the BJP’s influence on Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Chirag Paswan, who fielded candidates in constituencies where JD(U) was contesting.
  • Additionally, he lacked the rapport with deputy chief ministers Renu Devi and Tarkishore Prasad, unlike his previous relationship with Sushil Kumar Modi.

Result: Nitish Kumar resigned as Chief Minister and formed a new government with RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav returning as his deputy.

2024 Political Shift: Rejoining the NDA Again

• In January 2024, Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar Chief Minister for a record ninth time.
  • This time, he aligned with the BJP, leaving the Mahagathbandhan.
  • His decision raised questions about Bihar’s electoral dynamics and implications for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Results of actions of Mitrasamprapti as results of Election 2024: Awaited.

Kaulokiya: The Art of Duality

Politicians are masters of duality. They wear different masks for different audiences. On one stage, they champion farmers’ rights; on another, they court industrialists. Kaulokiya involves balancing contradictory positions, like a tightrope walker navigating shifting winds.

There are several ways in which parties practice duality as explained below:

Regional vs. National Identity:

Many political parties maintain a dual identity by emphasizing both their regional roots and their commitment to national unity.

For instance, parties like the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra or the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh often champion regional pride and cultural identity while also aligning with national parties during coalition governments.

Religious and Secular Duality:

Political parties often balance between appealing to religious sentiments and maintaining a secular image.

While some parties openly associate with specific religious groups, others project themselves as secular and inclusive.

The BJP, for example, combines Hindu nationalism with a broader nationalist agenda, appealing to both religious and non-religious voters.

Populist vs. Pragmatic Policies:

Parties adopt dual approaches to economic policies. They promise populist measures to win votes (such as farm loan waivers, subsidies, and freebies) while also implementing pragmatic economic reforms.

The Congress party, for instance, has historically combined welfare-oriented policies with market-oriented reforms.

Urban vs. Rural Appeals:

Parties tailor their messages differently for urban and rural voters.

Urban areas may hear about infrastructure development, smart cities, and digital initiatives, while rural areas receive promises related to agriculture, employment, and rural development.

Caste and Class Duality:

Indian politics often revolves around caste-based identities.

Parties simultaneously appeal to specific castes (through reservations, targeted policies, and symbolic gestures) while also claiming to represent all citizens.

Coalition Politics and Alliances:

Duality is inherent in coalition politics. Parties form alliances with ideological opponents to gain power.

The BJP, for example, collaborates with regional parties in different states, adapting its stance to suit local dynamics.

Leadership Duality:

Parties project dual leadership—national and regional.

The Congress, with a national leader (e.g., Rahul Gandhi) and regional leaders (e.g., Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan), exemplifies this approach.

Issue-Based Duality:

Parties take different positions on specific issues based on their target audience.

For instance, parties may support farmers’ demands in one state while advocating for industrial growth in another.

Example: Rahul Gandhi, a prominent opposition leader, contests from Kerala’s Wayanad constituency. He faces off against left-wing candidate Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI). Both Gandhi’s Congress and the communists are part of the national opposition INDIA alliance but are rivals in Kerala.

Context: Rahul Gandhi’s dual role—cooperating with the communists at the national level while competing against them in Kerala—illustrates the artful balance politicians strike to appeal to diverse voter groups

Symbolic Gestures and Rhetoric:

Parties use duality in their rhetoric. They make symbolic gestures (such as temple visits or religious festivals) to appeal to specific groups while maintaining a broader secular image.

Media and Social Media Duality:

Parties use different narratives in traditional media and social media.

They may adopt a more aggressive tone on social media platforms while maintaining a moderate image in mainstream media.

In summary, duality in Indian politics allows parties to navigate complex social, economic, and cultural landscapes, appealing to diverse voter groups without alienating any particular segment.

Result of Kakulokiya: Awaited.

Labhpranash: Nullifying the Adversary’s Gains

Elections are dynamic. Aprikshitkarka urges politicians to prepare for the unknown. Shifts in public sentiment, scandals, or sudden issues—these are the wild cards. Like chess players anticipating their opponent’s unexpected move, parties adapt swiftly.

• Example: In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP currently holds 62 out of 80 seats. The opposition parties aim to minimize the BJP’s advantage by strategically targeting key constituencies. Their efforts focus on countering successful campaigns and highlighting local issues.
• Context: By neutralizing the BJP’s gains, the opposition hopes to level the playing field and secure crucial seats.

Result: Awaited.

Aprikshitkarka: Factoring the untested

Political parties in India often employ various strategies to gain or retain power, even if those strategies involve untested or unconventional methods. Let’s explore some of these factors:

Coalition Politics and Alliances:

• In India, coalition politics is common due to the diverse linguistic, regional, and cultural landscape.
• Political parties form alliances with other parties, even if they have ideological differences, to secure a majority in the parliament or state assemblies.
• These coalitions often include untested or smaller parties that may not have a significant electoral track record but can contribute to the overall seat count.

Promising Populist Measures:

• Parties promise populist measures such as farm loan waivers, subsidies, and freebies to attract voters.
• These promises may not always be backed by sound economic planning or feasibility studies.
• Populist measures appeal to the emotions of voters, especially in rural areas, where livelihoods are directly tied to agriculture.

Religious and Identity Politics:

• Political parties often exploit religious sentiments and identity-based issues.
• They may align with religious leaders or promote religious symbols to gain support.
• These strategies can polarize voters along religious lines, even if the long-term impact on governance remains uncertain.

Celebrity Candidates:

• Parties field celebrity candidates, including film stars, sports personalities, and other public figures.
• These candidates may lack political experience but can attract attention and votes due to their fame.
• Their untested political acumen is often overlooked in favor of their star power.

Dynastic Politics:

• Many parties are led by political dynasties, where leadership positions are inherited within families.
• Dynastic leaders may not have proven their capabilities through prior governance roles but benefit from name recognition and party machinery.

Local Issues and Micro-Level Campaigning:

• Parties focus on micro-level campaigning, addressing local issues and concerns.
• They may promise specific infrastructure projects, better water supply, roads, or schools, even if the overall impact on governance is untested.

Social Media and Digital Campaigns:

1. Parties increasingly use social media and digital platforms to reach voters.
2. These channels allow untested narratives, slogans, and propaganda to circulate widely, influencing public opinion.

Negative Campaigning and Mudslinging:

• Parties resort to negative campaigning, attacking opponents’ character, credibility, or track record.
• While this strategy may not directly contribute to governance, it can sway voters’ perceptions.

Local Strongmen and Muscle Power:

• Parties rely on local strongmen, often with criminal backgrounds, to mobilize voters.
• These individuals may not have a proven record of good governance but can influence election outcomes through intimidation and muscle power.

Issue-Based Campaigns:

• Parties focus on specific issues, even if they lack a comprehensive vision for governance.
• For example, parties may campaign on environmental conservation, women’s rights, or anti-corruption platforms without necessarily having tested solutions.

Demonetization

In 2016, PM Modi’s demonetization move caught everyone off guard. Parties scrambled to adjust their narratives. Some capitalized on public inconvenience, while others praised the bold step.

In summary, political parties in India often prioritize short-term gains over long-term governance effectiveness. Their strategies may involve untested methods, but the pursuit of power remains a driving force in Indian politics.

The Complex Scenario and the Voter

Indian Voters are by and large aware about the political manoeuvring and genesis of alliances and coalitions that result from it. But they don’t seem to show sufficiently discerning attitude in evaluating to scrutinize the politicians and their track record in terms of ethics, transparency and accountability. This makes some of them vulnerable to manipulative tactics. They must understand that anyone alluring them with freebies is not incurring the cost associated with it but using a national resource to allure them. In such cases, they must delve deeper and make up their mind to chose their candidate. May the best candidates win and good governance prevail!

Conclusion

India’s electoral saga unfolds on this strategic chessboard. As parties vie for power, they employ these concepts—sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly. So, the next time you watch election results, remember: behind the scenes, Mitrabhed, Mitrasamprapti, Kaulokiya, Labhpranash, and Aprikshitkarka are at play and chose your candidate wisely.