New-age ‘digital raths’ and ‘e-electioneering’ new normal; Bihar elections test for parties

According to political observers, the combination of the pandemic, migrant crisis, job losses, and recent floods have the potential to lead to ‘some unexpected results’

Photo for representation

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 4

Call it the status quo in Bihar or winds of change as the BJP prepares to roll out its high pitch e-blitzkrieg powered by money and resources, the question is can the rivals match it to turn the situation in their favour.

Those associated with grass-roots in the poll-bound state believe it is possible as “the ground reality, like in Jharkhand (Assembly elections), is far from what it appears from far”.

‘Digital raths’ and ‘e-electioneering’ are the new normal in the COVID times. In those terms, the upcoming Bihar elections will not just test parties but also the voters of the state where caste combinations, social situations and poverty continue to be the biggest issues.

This time, there is more.

According to political observers, the combination of the coronavirus pandemic, resultant migrant crisis and job losses, and recent floods have the potential to lead to “some unexpected results”.

“If you think Sushant Singh Rajput is an issue, think again. Ram Mandir is not an issue in the state where anything related to ‘Mandal Commission’ (reservation) still has the potential to knock down a party as it happened with the BJP in 2015. The votes and issues of the backward classes, the EBCs and the Muslim community will decide the fate of the parties. The upper castes have their own grievances. The floods have played havoc and large tracks of farmlands have been submerged. Parties have to keep all that in mind,” the experts say.

As far as the saffron party is concerned about digital and social media and high-tech campaigns, it is more experienced than others. Its e-campaign focusing on virtual rallies and ‘digital raths’ with LED screen mounted atop vehicles for the live telecast of campaigns to take care of those whose who do not have smartphones or internet connection is ready. Party cadres will also be conducting ‘nukkad’ or corner meetings with a limited audience and maintaining social distancing. Election guidelines will further define the contours and specifics of physical rallies and meetings, party leaders say.

The BJP’s focus areas include Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s self-reliance pitch (‘Atmanirbhar Bihar’) and monetary help, rations and the MNREGA jobs to migrants after they reached Bihar during the COVID-19 lockdown.