In a strategic shift that has set tongues wagging and political analysts abuzz, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears to be orchestrating a recalibration of his political narrative, steering away from the ‘suit boot ki sarkar’ epithet that once dogged his administration. Instead, recent salvos fired at industrial titans Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani hint at a deliberate pivot towards courting the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, a move laden with implications for India’s economic landscape.
The genesis of this metamorphosis can be traced back to the shrewd political acumen of Rahul Gandhi, who deftly wielded the ‘suit boot ki sarkar’ phrase as a cudgel during the 2015 Delhi state assembly elections, striking a chord with the working class electorate. The ensuing electoral triumph of Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party underscored the potency of this narrative among the lower and middle-income strata.
Underpinning Modi’s pivot is the scholarly insights of economist Surjit Bhalla, who champions the notion that economic considerations trump caste affiliations in shaping Indian electoral outcomes. While Modi’s camp extols the economic strides made under his stewardship, detractors contend that festering issues like unemployment and middle-class angst have eroded his popular mandate.
Modi’s recent broadsides against Adani and Ambani invite conjecture, with two plausible theories emerging. First, they could serve as a strategic smokescreen to divert attention from the electoral bonds imbroglio, spotlighting political ramifications while tacitly acknowledging the financial largesse accruing to the BJP. Secondly, they might signal a concerted bid to curry favor with the disenfranchised MSME sector, disenchanted by perceptions of preferential treatment accorded to corporate behemoths.
Beneath the veneer of unity within the business echelons lies a simmering undercurrent of discontent, particularly over Modi’s perceived proclivity towards Adani, epitomized by the contentious Mumbai airport saga. This fissure underscores a schism within the business fraternity, with smaller enterprises feeling marginalized vis-à-vis their corporate counterparts.
Analogies drawn from history, such as the erstwhile ‘Tata-Birla ki sarkar’ refrain, accentuate the conundrum confronting Modi as he navigates the treacherous terrain of ideological realignment, cognizant of the entrenched support base predicated on class and caste dynamics.
Furthermore, according to the views of a renownedeconomist, Sanjaya Baru, in his article from the Wire, Modi’s stance on contentious issues like inheritance tax lays bare the gaping chasm between the BJP’s elite backers and the broader electorate. The tepid response to calls for protests underscores the growing disconnect between privileged youth and the masses, reflecting a seismic shift in political consciousness.
In essence, Modi’s recalibration of his political lexicon heralds a nuanced approach aimed at broadening his appeal beyond traditional bastions of power, acknowledging the burgeoning influence wielded by the MSME sector. Whether this strategic pivot heralds a genuine departure or merely constitutes a tactical maneuver remains a matter of conjecture, underscoring the fluid dynamics of Indian politics in the relentless pursuit of power and relevance.