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How the BJP Wins: Inside India s Greatest Election Machine
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- GenresPoliticsNonfictionIndia
256 pages, Hardcover
Published September 20, 2017
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October 23, 2020
I started pretty late, according to current norm, in following active politics and current affairs. As every other young person, I started being a rebel (a passive one, of course) and anti-establishment. As I am growing and slowly understanding the nuances of policy making and execution, I am realizing that how being pro or anti- anything comes with lots of baggage that you either ignored earlier or are not prepared for. I can't stress enough that the world is the shade of grey, the tint depending on the bias of the individual.
So, as I said, I started off anti-establishment and the establishment was Congress in power. The natural assumption is that once you are anti-the power, you are pro-the party in opposition (which necessary is not the case, but difficult to convince the other wisely convinced). Also having early education in RSS affiliated school, I had a leaning towards the nationalists in my early days. So, naturally, I was a pro-BJP guy in my twenties, as BJP was saying all the things that I believed, till I realized that It was actually the other way around. I was believing what BJP was saying. (Simpler were the days, when you believed and not doubted. Sigh!!)
I remember in 2009, when UPA came to power once again, it was a great disappointment for people like me. I was perturbed that probably we didn't have a strong opposition that could challenge the Congress hegemony. And then everything changed. 10 years later, it looks like Congress is finished and there is in fact no challenge to BJP anymore. What caused this turn around? And that's what this book attempts to answer. Of course, like many nuanced aspects of life no effect can have a single cause, but a consequence of multiple forces. Majority of my friends and acquaintances and every one of my family members are pro-BJP. So, how did this transformation happen?
The factors for the rise and rise of BJP's hegemony, according to this book, which I more or less agree, are
--- Charisma of Narendra Modi (I don't remember a single leader in my life time who has captured the imagination of an entire nation in this way. As one of my NRI friends say - Modiji gives us the hope that India can be a superpower competing with other developed countries in future. Yes. HOPE is a big motivation)
--- Organizational skill of Amit Shah (hailed as modern day Chanakya, Shah's administrative skills in managing booth level workers commendable indeed)
--- Ground work and support of RSS ( one of the biggest non-government organization in India)
--- TINA (a sense that there is no alternative - If not Modi, then Who?)
--- Polarization through propaganda ( in this post-truth world the divide amongst us are just growing day by day)
--- Hindu Vote consolidation ( As Gary Kasparov said - You can get quite far in a democracy if you can convince a majority that they are victims of a minority and that only you can protect them)
--- Political manipulation and maneuvers ( this is nothing new though! But probably the ambition matters here)
The book has given low stress to the role of social media and the power of propaganda through Whatsapp, Facebook and other such platforms, which I think plays a major role in creating a deep bias. The book doesn't deal with post-election performance of the BJP government, which isn't aim of the book anyway.
The author, a journalist, has done extensive research and backs his claims with facts. Nothing startling though, but can act as a good reference in case of debates with friends. :)
So, as I said, I started off anti-establishment and the establishment was Congress in power. The natural assumption is that once you are anti-the power, you are pro-the party in opposition (which necessary is not the case, but difficult to convince the other wisely convinced). Also having early education in RSS affiliated school, I had a leaning towards the nationalists in my early days. So, naturally, I was a pro-BJP guy in my twenties, as BJP was saying all the things that I believed, till I realized that It was actually the other way around. I was believing what BJP was saying. (Simpler were the days, when you believed and not doubted. Sigh!!)
I remember in 2009, when UPA came to power once again, it was a great disappointment for people like me. I was perturbed that probably we didn't have a strong opposition that could challenge the Congress hegemony. And then everything changed. 10 years later, it looks like Congress is finished and there is in fact no challenge to BJP anymore. What caused this turn around? And that's what this book attempts to answer. Of course, like many nuanced aspects of life no effect can have a single cause, but a consequence of multiple forces. Majority of my friends and acquaintances and every one of my family members are pro-BJP. So, how did this transformation happen?
The factors for the rise and rise of BJP's hegemony, according to this book, which I more or less agree, are
--- Charisma of Narendra Modi (I don't remember a single leader in my life time who has captured the imagination of an entire nation in this way. As one of my NRI friends say - Modiji gives us the hope that India can be a superpower competing with other developed countries in future. Yes. HOPE is a big motivation)
--- Organizational skill of Amit Shah (hailed as modern day Chanakya, Shah's administrative skills in managing booth level workers commendable indeed)
--- Ground work and support of RSS ( one of the biggest non-government organization in India)
--- TINA (a sense that there is no alternative - If not Modi, then Who?)
--- Polarization through propaganda ( in this post-truth world the divide amongst us are just growing day by day)
--- Hindu Vote consolidation ( As Gary Kasparov said - You can get quite far in a democracy if you can convince a majority that they are victims of a minority and that only you can protect them)
--- Political manipulation and maneuvers ( this is nothing new though! But probably the ambition matters here)
The book has given low stress to the role of social media and the power of propaganda through Whatsapp, Facebook and other such platforms, which I think plays a major role in creating a deep bias. The book doesn't deal with post-election performance of the BJP government, which isn't aim of the book anyway.
The author, a journalist, has done extensive research and backs his claims with facts. Nothing startling though, but can act as a good reference in case of debates with friends. :)
January 18, 2018
This book is a fine analysis of BJP's election machine through the prism of one of India's most complex and largest state elections - UP 2017. It analyses each of the factors - the Modi brandname, Amit Shah's strategies, RSS & co, Hindu-Muslim divide and BJP's expansion drive into new states in separate chapters yet never losing the complete picture.
Also, this nicely complements an earlier book - "War Room" by Ullekh NP that was based on personalities - Modi, Shah, Prashant Kishor, IT professionals etc behind d BJP 2014 Lok Sabha victory. And I think both Ullekh and Prashant Jha r mildly anti-BJP but unlike our good left-liberals they were true to d facts.
Both books came to my notice via podcasts that I respect. I was prejudiced against d publisher Juggernaut as a populist house but a friend's 5* review pushed me to pick this up thankfully !
Also, this nicely complements an earlier book - "War Room" by Ullekh NP that was based on personalities - Modi, Shah, Prashant Kishor, IT professionals etc behind d BJP 2014 Lok Sabha victory. And I think both Ullekh and Prashant Jha r mildly anti-BJP but unlike our good left-liberals they were true to d facts.
Both books came to my notice via podcasts that I respect. I was prejudiced against d publisher Juggernaut as a populist house but a friend's 5* review pushed me to pick this up thankfully !
July 17, 2018
Read this book recently on Samarth Bansal's recommendation. I found this book to be a fascinating analysis of why BJP of Modi Era has become the greatest election machine in independent India. Key reasons cited for BJP's sudden upsurge are the Modi brand, Amit Shah's managerial acumen and an unparalleled approach towards campaign management, a new and tactical approach towards social engineering for winning elections (why it worked in UP state elections and why it did not work in Bihar state elections), Role of RSS and Politics of religious polarization. This book helped me reconcile the duality in BJP's perception (Is it a hindu revivalist party believing in the politics of religious polarisation or Is it a modernist outfit believing in vikas and prosperity?), the reconciliation being that it is both. The book builds a clear rationale on why this duality is false and artificial.
I found the author's tone unbiased and analytical, which can be a really hard nut to crack in political reporting. On the whole, must recommend for fellow citizens who want to make more sense of Indian politics.
I found the author's tone unbiased and analytical, which can be a really hard nut to crack in political reporting. On the whole, must recommend for fellow citizens who want to make more sense of Indian politics.
April 7, 2018
A book very much written in the here and now. Excellent reportage-view of the 2014 LS elections and then the UP assembly polls. Fast-paced narration with a good set of insider anecdotes. It doesn't talk about election funding and the tacit corporate support the BJP enjoys, which was something I hoped the book would touch upon.
The book chooses to leave more complex analysis of history and consequences to the reader - whether that's a function of the app-based publisher or a rigid adherence to only the 'How' in the title is an unanswered question. The 'Why' of BJP's electoral victories is unanswered, and there can be a lot written to elaborate upon the majoritarian insecurities that fuel its victories.
Read this to know the organizational structure and election apparatus of the BJP. And the role of the Sangh. Read this to understand the election-facing front of their worldview. Supplement it with readings on the assertion of caste identities in Indian elections, readings on ethno-nationalist movements, and literature on disinformation campaigns.
The book chooses to leave more complex analysis of history and consequences to the reader - whether that's a function of the app-based publisher or a rigid adherence to only the 'How' in the title is an unanswered question. The 'Why' of BJP's electoral victories is unanswered, and there can be a lot written to elaborate upon the majoritarian insecurities that fuel its victories.
Read this to know the organizational structure and election apparatus of the BJP. And the role of the Sangh. Read this to understand the election-facing front of their worldview. Supplement it with readings on the assertion of caste identities in Indian elections, readings on ethno-nationalist movements, and literature on disinformation campaigns.
October 18, 2017
In less than 250 pages, journalist Prashant Jha has been able to decode the unstoppable Modi juggernaut. Jha was among the very few journalists who predicted BJP's behemoth victory in Uttar Pradesh. His relentless ground reporting has been a key factor in the explanation of the mindset of common Indian citizens.
The book explains the role of Amit Shah behind the successive wins of the BJP, Ram Madhav's role in expanding the party in the North-East and Kashmir, Sangh's role in supporting BJP and it also deals with nuances of the Uttar Pradesh elections.
The book explains the role of Amit Shah behind the successive wins of the BJP, Ram Madhav's role in expanding the party in the North-East and Kashmir, Sangh's role in supporting BJP and it also deals with nuances of the Uttar Pradesh elections.
January 18, 2018
A riveting insight into the complexities of India's electoral battlefield. I think the author has, at the very least, attempted to be objective; but as with any such subject, whether one agrees or disagrees with the analysis depends on the reader. The book is very engaging - would have loved to finish it in one go had I read it on a weekend.
My chief complaint about the book is that it has almost exclusively focused on UP & Bihar. To a certain degree this is understandable - the author has spent a very long time in these states. The only departure is when he discusses the North East & JK. I would have appreciated a comment on Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Odisha etc. Such a comment would have made the book more insightful.
My chief complaint about the book is that it has almost exclusively focused on UP & Bihar. To a certain degree this is understandable - the author has spent a very long time in these states. The only departure is when he discusses the North East & JK. I would have appreciated a comment on Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Odisha etc. Such a comment would have made the book more insightful.
February 28, 2018
Prashant Jha, an Associate Editor with Hindustan Times, has a long track of covering Indian national politics, particularly politics in the Gangetic plains. How the BJP Wins: Inside India’s Greatest Election Machine is his latest book. As the title of the book suggests, this book tells us how the BJP wins election after election. In other words, the book tries to analyze the election machinery of the BJP and provides an insight into the complexities of the India’s election system. The major part of the book deals with the UP state election 2017 and gives an informed account of the events that shaped this election. By doing this, the book brings into perspective the multiple mechanisms that have gone into making a big impact on this election.
As all of us know, Narendra Modi is politically astute and knows the art of spreading his message according to the need of the audience. The book starts by dealing with this aspect of Modi’s charm. The book tries to look into the secrets of Narendra Modi’s mass appeal and then moves on to discuss the effect of demonetization. On 8 November 2016, the Modi government announced the phasing out of certain currency notes. This step was taken not only to control black money, but also to crack down the use of counterfeit currency. This sudden move brought a disruption to the everyday lives of ordinary citizens of the country. There was a general assumption that this drastic step by Modi government will harm the BJP politically in the upcoming elections. However, nothing of that sort happened. On the contrary, there was a palpable enthusiasm for the move as was witnessed later on in the UP state election 2017. The BJP won this election handsomely. Why didn’t demonetization harm the BJP in this election? The book tries to answer this question.
Amit Shah played a very important role in transferring the BJP election machinery, and the book tells us the ways this machinery operates on the ground during both campaigning and election. Amit Shah’s school of election management focused on bringing new members to the party, mass contact on a consistent level and forming the lowest level of organizational structure. The book discusses all of these in detail. Other topics that have been discussed in the book include the impact of the BJP’s ideology with Hindutva, the role of RSS during election, and the BJP’s expansion into North-East and Kashmir. The book also touches upon the story of the Bihar state election 2015. The BJP lost this election but learnt a number of lessons. What were these lessons the BJP drew from Bihar loss? The book makes an effort to answer that. I feel that a few more pages could have devoted to discuss this issue.
While I followed the UP state election 2017 closely, reading this book made me aware of quite a few facts that I didn’t know personally. At the same time, at many portions in the book, I felt that the story from the other side was missing. I would have liked to know a little bit more about the election machinery of the opposition parties. Inclusion of this would have resulted into presenting a comparative account and, consequently, would have enhanced the quality of the book. Anyhow, the writing style in this book is breezy and, overall, the book is an easy read. The pacing is such that it keeps readers engaged throughout. You will love reading this book if you enjoy reading about the Indian electoral system and having followed the UP state election 2017 closely.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from Juggernaut in exchange of an honest review.
As all of us know, Narendra Modi is politically astute and knows the art of spreading his message according to the need of the audience. The book starts by dealing with this aspect of Modi’s charm. The book tries to look into the secrets of Narendra Modi’s mass appeal and then moves on to discuss the effect of demonetization. On 8 November 2016, the Modi government announced the phasing out of certain currency notes. This step was taken not only to control black money, but also to crack down the use of counterfeit currency. This sudden move brought a disruption to the everyday lives of ordinary citizens of the country. There was a general assumption that this drastic step by Modi government will harm the BJP politically in the upcoming elections. However, nothing of that sort happened. On the contrary, there was a palpable enthusiasm for the move as was witnessed later on in the UP state election 2017. The BJP won this election handsomely. Why didn’t demonetization harm the BJP in this election? The book tries to answer this question.
Amit Shah played a very important role in transferring the BJP election machinery, and the book tells us the ways this machinery operates on the ground during both campaigning and election. Amit Shah’s school of election management focused on bringing new members to the party, mass contact on a consistent level and forming the lowest level of organizational structure. The book discusses all of these in detail. Other topics that have been discussed in the book include the impact of the BJP’s ideology with Hindutva, the role of RSS during election, and the BJP’s expansion into North-East and Kashmir. The book also touches upon the story of the Bihar state election 2015. The BJP lost this election but learnt a number of lessons. What were these lessons the BJP drew from Bihar loss? The book makes an effort to answer that. I feel that a few more pages could have devoted to discuss this issue.
While I followed the UP state election 2017 closely, reading this book made me aware of quite a few facts that I didn’t know personally. At the same time, at many portions in the book, I felt that the story from the other side was missing. I would have liked to know a little bit more about the election machinery of the opposition parties. Inclusion of this would have resulted into presenting a comparative account and, consequently, would have enhanced the quality of the book. Anyhow, the writing style in this book is breezy and, overall, the book is an easy read. The pacing is such that it keeps readers engaged throughout. You will love reading this book if you enjoy reading about the Indian electoral system and having followed the UP state election 2017 closely.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from Juggernaut in exchange of an honest review.
September 30, 2017
How the BJP Wins – A Review
Recently I read the books “How the BJP Wins” by journalist cum author Prashant Jha. As the title suggests, the book is literally about how the BJP keeps winning elections back to back as you would have witnessed in the last few years and also been expanding into the territories where it didn’t have much existence in the past. As Ram Madhav has said in a chapter in this book “Elections are as much about management as politics. You have to understand your constituency well, you have to manage your resources, you need to know what to use where, you need to strategize, plan and execute it carefully.” The BJP – NDA Govt’s victories in various polls held during the last 3-4 years are a perfect example of that as well as it shows what boundless, unlimited ambition can achieve.
Apart from the introductory chapter, the book is divided into 7 different chapters starting with the Modi Hawa and the formation of a new govt at the centre which is distinct & unique in comparison as compared to its predecessors and how the Modi Hawa played the crucial role in BJP’s upcoming wins. Then the book moves on to Shah’s Sangathan which gives a good insight into Amit Shah school of election management. The Modi – Shah duo has completely changed the image of the BJP in terms of winning elections and also being a tough duo for the opposition to handle and all this comes after a lot of hardwork and playing the right cards. You will be completely exposed to the amount of sacrifice, hardwork and journeys Amit Shah undergone to make the present BJP an unbeatable force. The next two chapters focusses on the tools & technology uses to win the elections and how the ground efforts of RSS’s workers had proven to be crucial to winning elections for BJP. Also, it throws light on how the BJP is evolving to a more inclusive Hindutva party under Modi – Shah which appears in contrast to the ABV-Advani BJP we would have seen.
The chapter on “H-M” Chunav has useful insights (although I have read some contradictory news & views on the same. Hence, I am not commenting much on it). Then, the focus on the book is on how the BJP has expanded beyond its Heartland where it had not been in power before especially in J & K, North East states, etc. & how the tactics followed to win polls there differed with the tactics followed elsewhere. How Ram Madhav’s induction into BJP by RSS has proven to be invaluable for the BJP in expanding into newer territories. Also, this chapter throws light on the birth of new poll strategists for BJP who are now proving very invaluable – Rajat Sethi & Shubhrastha. Finally the book ends with the issues the BJP may face in future/ presently facing and things it may have to deal to stay in power. Prashant ends it with perfectly the words “Winning is easier than ruling. How the BJP uses the power it has acquired so successfully will determine whether PM Modi’s vision of a “New India” is fulfilled”.
Go and read this book to get a good insight on : How the BJP wins polls, How winning polls is very much as success in any endeavour where lots of hardwork, planning & careful execution of the same plays a good role, also on how the BJP is evolving at present politically as well as ideologically as compared to the BJP we saw decades ago. Thanks Prashant for this insightful book.
- Srivatsan V
Recently I read the books “How the BJP Wins” by journalist cum author Prashant Jha. As the title suggests, the book is literally about how the BJP keeps winning elections back to back as you would have witnessed in the last few years and also been expanding into the territories where it didn’t have much existence in the past. As Ram Madhav has said in a chapter in this book “Elections are as much about management as politics. You have to understand your constituency well, you have to manage your resources, you need to know what to use where, you need to strategize, plan and execute it carefully.” The BJP – NDA Govt’s victories in various polls held during the last 3-4 years are a perfect example of that as well as it shows what boundless, unlimited ambition can achieve.
Apart from the introductory chapter, the book is divided into 7 different chapters starting with the Modi Hawa and the formation of a new govt at the centre which is distinct & unique in comparison as compared to its predecessors and how the Modi Hawa played the crucial role in BJP’s upcoming wins. Then the book moves on to Shah’s Sangathan which gives a good insight into Amit Shah school of election management. The Modi – Shah duo has completely changed the image of the BJP in terms of winning elections and also being a tough duo for the opposition to handle and all this comes after a lot of hardwork and playing the right cards. You will be completely exposed to the amount of sacrifice, hardwork and journeys Amit Shah undergone to make the present BJP an unbeatable force. The next two chapters focusses on the tools & technology uses to win the elections and how the ground efforts of RSS’s workers had proven to be crucial to winning elections for BJP. Also, it throws light on how the BJP is evolving to a more inclusive Hindutva party under Modi – Shah which appears in contrast to the ABV-Advani BJP we would have seen.
The chapter on “H-M” Chunav has useful insights (although I have read some contradictory news & views on the same. Hence, I am not commenting much on it). Then, the focus on the book is on how the BJP has expanded beyond its Heartland where it had not been in power before especially in J & K, North East states, etc. & how the tactics followed to win polls there differed with the tactics followed elsewhere. How Ram Madhav’s induction into BJP by RSS has proven to be invaluable for the BJP in expanding into newer territories. Also, this chapter throws light on the birth of new poll strategists for BJP who are now proving very invaluable – Rajat Sethi & Shubhrastha. Finally the book ends with the issues the BJP may face in future/ presently facing and things it may have to deal to stay in power. Prashant ends it with perfectly the words “Winning is easier than ruling. How the BJP uses the power it has acquired so successfully will determine whether PM Modi’s vision of a “New India” is fulfilled”.
Go and read this book to get a good insight on : How the BJP wins polls, How winning polls is very much as success in any endeavour where lots of hardwork, planning & careful execution of the same plays a good role, also on how the BJP is evolving at present politically as well as ideologically as compared to the BJP we saw decades ago. Thanks Prashant for this insightful book.
- Srivatsan V
July 21, 2020
Unraveling of the world's largest political party
This book contains the following eight chapters -
*Introduction
*The modi hawa
*Shah's sangathan
*Social engineering
*Sangh: source, supplement, shadow
*The "H-M"(Hindu muslim) chunav
*Beyond the Heartland
*The future of the hegemon
The language of the book is easy and you can complete this book in one sitting.
The author has done a good job and the book reveals various tactics of BJP from winning election to polarization.
Though the majority content of this book talks about how BJP wins the largest populated State of india (UP) with a huge majority,but the reader also get information about how BJP loses in bihar in 2015 and its entry into the various states of northeast for the first time.
The reader will also get info on Amit Shah,that how a man who once started his political career as a poll agent went on to become the president of the world's largest political party.
The author also highlighted the importance of RSS for the BJP, and how the former supplement it during the election time.
The book also offers solution to the so called "Pseudo - Secular" political parties if they really want to defeat BJP.
One thing which is absent in this book is not the inclusion of pictures ,as the author himself travelled in UP during the election he should have included some of the pics which will make the book more better for the reader.
Still I will recommend to Those who are interested in reading about indian politics should read this book at least for once.
I hope u like it, Thanks for Reading, Jai Hind.
For more information You can visit - https://dontbignorant.in/the-story-of...
This book contains the following eight chapters -
*Introduction
*The modi hawa
*Shah's sangathan
*Social engineering
*Sangh: source, supplement, shadow
*The "H-M"(Hindu muslim) chunav
*Beyond the Heartland
*The future of the hegemon
The language of the book is easy and you can complete this book in one sitting.
The author has done a good job and the book reveals various tactics of BJP from winning election to polarization.
Though the majority content of this book talks about how BJP wins the largest populated State of india (UP) with a huge majority,but the reader also get information about how BJP loses in bihar in 2015 and its entry into the various states of northeast for the first time.
The reader will also get info on Amit Shah,that how a man who once started his political career as a poll agent went on to become the president of the world's largest political party.
The author also highlighted the importance of RSS for the BJP, and how the former supplement it during the election time.
The book also offers solution to the so called "Pseudo - Secular" political parties if they really want to defeat BJP.
One thing which is absent in this book is not the inclusion of pictures ,as the author himself travelled in UP during the election he should have included some of the pics which will make the book more better for the reader.
Still I will recommend to Those who are interested in reading about indian politics should read this book at least for once.
I hope u like it, Thanks for Reading, Jai Hind.
For more information You can visit - https://dontbignorant.in/the-story-of...
November 19, 2017
Apart from The Accidental Prime Minister, this book has to be a mandatory read for anyone even remotely interested in elections. Just because Indian politics is shrouded in utmost secrecy, any details about it are gold-dust. The book not only offers details but extraordinary insight into BJP's strategy and operations. This book is a book on elections but foremost, is a book on management. Apart from his smarts, the efforts that Jha must have put to build the relationships and trust required to write this book must be acknowledged and appreciated.
September 20, 2017
Quick read, but excellent book - particularly at showing how the BJP is able to run up such huge margins in UP/Bihar and expand into states where it has had limited-to-zero presence, until now.
Sections on BJP's social engineering (which is, more-or-less, copying Nitish Kumar's 2005 & 2010 strategy in Bihar) and the failure of "secularism" and "social justice parties" are particularly interesting.
Sections on BJP's social engineering (which is, more-or-less, copying Nitish Kumar's 2005 & 2010 strategy in Bihar) and the failure of "secularism" and "social justice parties" are particularly interesting.
April 27, 2018
Before and during the elections in UP Prashant Jha was one fresh new voice I had started following in the media for his regular, detailed stories about the political situation in the state in the Hindustan Times. Only fitting that he writes a book later using all his experience during the period, and before, to bring to us a phenomenal work.
As Pratap Bhanu Mehta rightly says on the cover: fascinating.
It is a MUST READ for all political buffs.
As Pratap Bhanu Mehta rightly says on the cover: fascinating.
It is a MUST READ for all political buffs.
January 16, 2018
if the political geography of India interest you, and if you want to know how BJP has done what they have done to win. here's a first hand account.
loved the book for its simplicity, fluidity and perfect train of thoughts. would recommend to read!
loved the book for its simplicity, fluidity and perfect train of thoughts. would recommend to read!
November 11, 2017
Great insights into the election winning machine that is the BJP. This is an objective analysis which isn't leaning either pro or anti BJP. Worth reading.
November 23, 2017
Initially, it felt like reading generic commentary but when author clearly articulates the contradictions and with such ease, it becomes difficult to put the book down.
December 28, 2017
A good start for anyone who wants to understand how elections and political alliances work in India.
My rating indicates how much i learnt from the book, not necessarily how good the book is!
My rating indicates how much i learnt from the book, not necessarily how good the book is!
March 4, 2018
Pleasantly surprised. Balanced and insightful.
January 24, 2018
It is a timely book. BJP is reshaping Indian politics like never before. It has reduced almost all other political players to the margins. In this backdrop it is important to know what makes it tick.
The extent of present hegemony of BJP was never in the sight of even the most optimist BJP supporters. The very nature of the party limited its political prospects to certain classes (Mostly middle class,notionally Upper, urban), and Hindi-speaking belt. Then how did BJP transcend these limitations? Prashant Jha suggest a 3 pronged strategy.
First, co-opting of present political elites from different parties to build a vote base in areas hitherto untouched by BJP. Here the party gives priority to political compulsions rather than idealism. Second, dilution of its ideological core and incorporating diversity within, and finally, different strategy for different regions depending upon the context.
Apart from the innovative strategy, what works for BJP is few remarkable individuals. Mr. Narednra Modi, who is politically astute, knows the art of marketing, a great orator who can shape his message according to the audience, and can shame even his opponents by his sheer energy and focus. To be sure, he uses a message which can be all things to all people- development, Hindutva, Aspiration, social mobility all things blended without being contradictory. Second, Mr. Amit Shah, who, has transformed the BJP organisation. His sociological calculations are more often than not rewarding to BJP in elections. Finally, people like Ram Madhav, Sunil Bansal, and part-timer like Prashant Kishor are remarkable in what they have achieved.
The problem with the book is that at times it gets biased. So its true that BJP stirs communal waters in areas where it sees dividends. Author does mention that. But he doesn't get deep into the faults of Congress and others who have wielded power so far and have created the necessary ground fro BJP to surge. Why is it that secularism has become a word people mock at, why is that charge of Muslim appeasement has so much political traction even when report after report suggest that Muslims are economically backward, why is it that caste still remains major political axis in India. BJP builds on these conditions. But their creation cannot be a matter of a year or two.
The book is pacy and rewarding, for both supporters and detractors of BJP. Supporter can seek some pride in the sheer political domination; detractors can learn a trick or two from BJP.
The extent of present hegemony of BJP was never in the sight of even the most optimist BJP supporters. The very nature of the party limited its political prospects to certain classes (Mostly middle class,notionally Upper, urban), and Hindi-speaking belt. Then how did BJP transcend these limitations? Prashant Jha suggest a 3 pronged strategy.
First, co-opting of present political elites from different parties to build a vote base in areas hitherto untouched by BJP. Here the party gives priority to political compulsions rather than idealism. Second, dilution of its ideological core and incorporating diversity within, and finally, different strategy for different regions depending upon the context.
Apart from the innovative strategy, what works for BJP is few remarkable individuals. Mr. Narednra Modi, who is politically astute, knows the art of marketing, a great orator who can shape his message according to the audience, and can shame even his opponents by his sheer energy and focus. To be sure, he uses a message which can be all things to all people- development, Hindutva, Aspiration, social mobility all things blended without being contradictory. Second, Mr. Amit Shah, who, has transformed the BJP organisation. His sociological calculations are more often than not rewarding to BJP in elections. Finally, people like Ram Madhav, Sunil Bansal, and part-timer like Prashant Kishor are remarkable in what they have achieved.
The problem with the book is that at times it gets biased. So its true that BJP stirs communal waters in areas where it sees dividends. Author does mention that. But he doesn't get deep into the faults of Congress and others who have wielded power so far and have created the necessary ground fro BJP to surge. Why is it that secularism has become a word people mock at, why is that charge of Muslim appeasement has so much political traction even when report after report suggest that Muslims are economically backward, why is it that caste still remains major political axis in India. BJP builds on these conditions. But their creation cannot be a matter of a year or two.
The book is pacy and rewarding, for both supporters and detractors of BJP. Supporter can seek some pride in the sheer political domination; detractors can learn a trick or two from BJP.
December 21, 2017
Interesting book about the current political situation in India, about how the BJP seems to be winning everything it touches, with a few exceptions.
Jha's analysis is thorough, and as he has worked on the election trails for many years as a journalist, also trustworthy.
What I enjoyed is the clinical nature of the book, Jha doesn't take sides, but tells it like it is, the ingenious methods of the BJP of winning, taking advantage of weak opponents, building up strong networks and even poaching candidates when need be. What I found interesting is how the BJP seems to leave no stone un-turned, playing the caste system, stroking communal tensions. Despite not liking the BJP's hate politics, I have to applaud their genius, if they were not semi-fascist in thinking, I would suggest the Democrats take a page from the BJP in how to run a ground race and win elections.
I didn't give the book more stars only because as an outsider to India politics I definitely was clueless about parts, if you know the players you would probably get more out of the book, also the attention to detail, while good, is tough to slog through if, again, you are not familiar with the day to day workings and decades historical knowledge of politics in India.
Definitely recommend to students of current affairs for Southeast Asia and India in particular. Also good for those wanting to learn more about electioneering in the developing world, fascinating to see parallels and disparities between American elections and Indian elections (more alike than one thinks).
Jha's analysis is thorough, and as he has worked on the election trails for many years as a journalist, also trustworthy.
What I enjoyed is the clinical nature of the book, Jha doesn't take sides, but tells it like it is, the ingenious methods of the BJP of winning, taking advantage of weak opponents, building up strong networks and even poaching candidates when need be. What I found interesting is how the BJP seems to leave no stone un-turned, playing the caste system, stroking communal tensions. Despite not liking the BJP's hate politics, I have to applaud their genius, if they were not semi-fascist in thinking, I would suggest the Democrats take a page from the BJP in how to run a ground race and win elections.
I didn't give the book more stars only because as an outsider to India politics I definitely was clueless about parts, if you know the players you would probably get more out of the book, also the attention to detail, while good, is tough to slog through if, again, you are not familiar with the day to day workings and decades historical knowledge of politics in India.
Definitely recommend to students of current affairs for Southeast Asia and India in particular. Also good for those wanting to learn more about electioneering in the developing world, fascinating to see parallels and disparities between American elections and Indian elections (more alike than one thinks).
December 10, 2017
Insightful look into the BJP election machinery. Prashant Jha followed BJP during the UP elections and has presented reasons on what is making the Modi-Shah duo, a force to reckon with in Indian politics. This book is a very honest attempt by a journalist to crack Amit Shah's algorithm through three different prisms.
1. Shah's arithmetic: How BJP estimates the caste/voter groups to be targeted to form a winning coalition and how they woo different groups, at the same time retain traditional base
2. Sangh and Sanghathan: Highly motivated, coordinated and tech savvy volunteer network working like clockwork for elections. Book tries to answer How, why and what makes them do what they do.
3. Perception Game: From Modi Hawa to Love Jihad to Vikas politics. How BJP is using perception for voter consolidation.
Its a interesting and quick read without technical language, some theories for example how Hindutva and development politics has been married together are particularly insightful. Highly recommended for anyone interested in contemporary Indian politics.
1. Shah's arithmetic: How BJP estimates the caste/voter groups to be targeted to form a winning coalition and how they woo different groups, at the same time retain traditional base
2. Sangh and Sanghathan: Highly motivated, coordinated and tech savvy volunteer network working like clockwork for elections. Book tries to answer How, why and what makes them do what they do.
3. Perception Game: From Modi Hawa to Love Jihad to Vikas politics. How BJP is using perception for voter consolidation.
Its a interesting and quick read without technical language, some theories for example how Hindutva and development politics has been married together are particularly insightful. Highly recommended for anyone interested in contemporary Indian politics.
May 20, 2018
Outstanding, brilliant, awesome, amazing. Put whichever adjective you want to put to describe this book. The book is an excellent analytical work that describes how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the undisputed champion as far as electoral politics is concerned. How the party has transformed into a juggernaut, winning almost every election in the country ever since 2014.
The book highlights the reasons behind this huge success and explores the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav, and of course the parent organisation of the party, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in this. It also highlights the reasons for failure where the BJP couldn't win like in Bihar for instance.
The core focus of the book is on the victories of 2014 general elections, 2017 UP elections, and the remarkable achivement of the rise of the BJP in the North Eastern part of the country. It is a must read for anyone who is fond of Indian politics, irrespective of whether one supports the BJP or not.
The book highlights the reasons behind this huge success and explores the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav, and of course the parent organisation of the party, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in this. It also highlights the reasons for failure where the BJP couldn't win like in Bihar for instance.
The core focus of the book is on the victories of 2014 general elections, 2017 UP elections, and the remarkable achivement of the rise of the BJP in the North Eastern part of the country. It is a must read for anyone who is fond of Indian politics, irrespective of whether one supports the BJP or not.
December 21, 2018
I bought this book sometime last year and read it now. A lot has changed for the BJP in the past year, so this book is particularly interesting right now. This book basically spills out BJP's election winning strategy, does a thorough job at it. The book talks about what happened AFTER the spectacular BJP win in 2014, like the UP win in the beginning of 2017. It describes Amit Shah school of election management, the sangh advantage, Modi hawa, meticulous communal polarization, and other such things. It's interesting to read this book now in the wake of BJP defeat in three states, because no matter how immaculate your election machinery is, it's the voter who decides your fate finally.
May 30, 2020
RUTHLESS PRAGMATISM ~ that's what I got from the book.
The book dissects the electoral strategies/wins/losses of the party from 2014 to 2017 and gives insights into the ways of working of the dynamic duo of you know who and relationship of the union and the party. It clearly lays out, how the data driven decision making and social engineering helped the party and it also showcases the work of key BJP politicians.
For me it was a riveting read.
The following line completely summarizes the party and it's working: "But through a mix of strategies, the party has changed the nature of political contestation in India and is on its way to redefining what it means to be Indian."
The book dissects the electoral strategies/wins/losses of the party from 2014 to 2017 and gives insights into the ways of working of the dynamic duo of you know who and relationship of the union and the party. It clearly lays out, how the data driven decision making and social engineering helped the party and it also showcases the work of key BJP politicians.
For me it was a riveting read.
The following line completely summarizes the party and it's working: "But through a mix of strategies, the party has changed the nature of political contestation in India and is on its way to redefining what it means to be Indian."
October 7, 2017
A sharp and comprehensive account of how the BJP juggernaut wins election after election. Though most of the content/analyses in the book can be found across different contemporary sources ( newspapers,websites and magazines) , it is important to have a lucidly written single source that records events for posterity and this book serves that purpose.
April 17, 2022
Hooter: A journalist's POV on the ground specifically around 2017 UP elections
Prashant Jha was on the ground reporting on the 2017 UP elections which set the baseline for 2019 especially after the losses of Bihar and Delhi after high decibel campaigns. Irrespective of their idealogies, the book provides an insight on what is making it work. Professionalism in dealing with politics is probably the summary here - going to the grass roots and creating a scalable and replicatable framework that could be leveraged across the country rejuvenated the grassroots which are the true powerhorses of democracy and not the airconditioned hallways of the power capitals that most media like to pick their soundbytes from. Whilst the ideology warfare ensured middle class and upwards swayed to the tunes of the political parties and broke friendships on, the true power centres of democracy irrespective of religion were getting houses, gas and other last mile government services that made all the high decibel debates purely what they were - all noise no sound. If cinema is the silver screen, politics is the golden screen and BJP has figured how to play it out at the moment. This book doesn't come out with any secret formulae but substantiates the ground realities and introduces a lot of players who define the next generation of this party- folks who are slogging it out in the field today and rising through the ranks like Ram Madhav who ran the entire North East expansion strategy. This book provides an academic insight into the electoral process and the mathematics that goes in defining victory using the BJP rise as its case study focussing on the duality of Modi and Shah who are playing their roles to perfection.
Prashant Jha was on the ground reporting on the 2017 UP elections which set the baseline for 2019 especially after the losses of Bihar and Delhi after high decibel campaigns. Irrespective of their idealogies, the book provides an insight on what is making it work. Professionalism in dealing with politics is probably the summary here - going to the grass roots and creating a scalable and replicatable framework that could be leveraged across the country rejuvenated the grassroots which are the true powerhorses of democracy and not the airconditioned hallways of the power capitals that most media like to pick their soundbytes from. Whilst the ideology warfare ensured middle class and upwards swayed to the tunes of the political parties and broke friendships on, the true power centres of democracy irrespective of religion were getting houses, gas and other last mile government services that made all the high decibel debates purely what they were - all noise no sound. If cinema is the silver screen, politics is the golden screen and BJP has figured how to play it out at the moment. This book doesn't come out with any secret formulae but substantiates the ground realities and introduces a lot of players who define the next generation of this party- folks who are slogging it out in the field today and rising through the ranks like Ram Madhav who ran the entire North East expansion strategy. This book provides an academic insight into the electoral process and the mathematics that goes in defining victory using the BJP rise as its case study focussing on the duality of Modi and Shah who are playing their roles to perfection.
March 1, 2021
An awesome book- would highly recommend it to anyone interested in recent history of Indian electoral politics.
A very bipartisan account of the election winning juggernaut; in author's own words, "This book does not deal with what the BJP does after winning elections, and so stays away from the more controversial actions and events that have taken place under BJP rule in recent times"
The book succeeds in impartially tracking the rise of BJP over the last 2 decades; the reasons behind it- both good and bad and doesn't delve (rightly) into the morality/ethics of the issues- from a crash course on image building , through importance of a grass-root strong organization, to effectively fanning and cashing in on inherent hatred among Indians based on religions, the book covers it all.
A very well written account, which should be read by all- whether you like or hate BJP's current avatar!
A very bipartisan account of the election winning juggernaut; in author's own words, "This book does not deal with what the BJP does after winning elections, and so stays away from the more controversial actions and events that have taken place under BJP rule in recent times"
The book succeeds in impartially tracking the rise of BJP over the last 2 decades; the reasons behind it- both good and bad and doesn't delve (rightly) into the morality/ethics of the issues- from a crash course on image building , through importance of a grass-root strong organization, to effectively fanning and cashing in on inherent hatred among Indians based on religions, the book covers it all.
A very well written account, which should be read by all- whether you like or hate BJP's current avatar!
October 31, 2018
A good book on all the tactics implemented by the BJP to win election and do what they do best. Although the author tried to be unbiased, there are stages where he gives in to the strong bias of the national media on issues like triple talaq, gharwapasi, love jihad, etc. These are called political gimmicks and only one side of the reality is showcased, largely showcasing BJP's disdain for Muslims when instead the Modi govt has been doing quite a lot in the other direction. A good account on UP's triumph, Bihar loss, 2014 success and the suprising turn of events in Manipur, Assam and Kashmir. Will add a new perspective to the run up for 2019 elections.
January 28, 2018
A compelling read which elucidates the reasons behind the electoral hegemony of BJP. It delves deep into Modi charisma and the way Amit shah manages and forms contradictory caste equations to achieve electoral success. It also tells us the ways in which the BJP cleverly dilute their ideology to expand to new territories such as north east India. One chapter also explains the subtle way sangh is helping the party to achieve success. Altogether, a one stop point to know about the election machine which has taken the country by storm for the last 4 years.
February 11, 2021
The 2014 general elections drastically changed the Indian Election campaigning drastically, with new strategies and technology being used.
The book talks about how the BJP, the winning political party used the organization to win not just the General elections, but also the other assembly elections like Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Manipur.
An interesting read of you are interested in Elections and Campaign Management.
The book talks about how the BJP, the winning political party used the organization to win not just the General elections, but also the other assembly elections like Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Manipur.
An interesting read of you are interested in Elections and Campaign Management.
September 23, 2017
An insightful and incisive analysis of what makes BJP so invincible in current times, and indeed a lesson for every political party of India. However, whether the party remains invincible in the future is a matter of conjecture...after all no matter what machinery is deployed, at the end of the day it is always 'Janta Janardhan'!
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