How the times are changing

The information revolution is radically altering voters’ expectations. Political parties can ignore this only at their own peril

deeper trend amongst voters. With the deluge of information, voters are challenging status quo models of leadership and seeking alternatives. This is impacting governance as well. The central government is demonstrating that vividly. The unexpected announcement of demonetisation has shaken up India. During a time of relative economic calm, the decision to pull back notes in order to fight corruption is jolting. And while there are questions around the implementation of the programme, there is also unanimous agreement that this is a bold decision taken by the prime minister, following his surgical strikes on Pakistan, another decision applauded by most voters.

In fact, PM Modi is rapidly reforming the style of governance. He has introduced a series of major programmes, coupling these by asking voters to do their bit. For example, Modi has directly appealed to citizens to keep their communities clean and pay applicable taxes. This has resonated with voters. As BJP continues to win state elections, it is evident that the PM is echoing the sentiment of the people. Other parties, like AAP, are also taking up a similar model of governance, focusing on change by making previously unacknowledged sectors like education a priority.

Parties which are changing the way they offer policies clearly recognise that voters are no longer interested in business as usual — instead, they are looking for an active government, visibly working to improve their lives. And if parties fail to offer or implement this, voters won’t hesitate to express their discontent.

In fact, when the public feels discontented now, people take to the streets. From the Anna Hazare movement to the Hardik Patel campaign to the JNU protests, people have been unafraid to express their anger. Social media and communication tools (such as Whatsapp) have empowered people with the capacity to organise and unite quickly. The information age has instilled a fierce confidence and sense of equality as people learn about their own world and the one beyond. And in a more connected India, this will only increase with time.

Political parties that see these changes in voting patterns, in the push for new policies and increased protest movements are changing their own campaign and governance styles quickly. They are realising that voters are changing — and television is exposing them to a world beyond their households. However, those who continue on the same path of caste politics, disregarding how the world around them is changing, are doomed to struggle — and possible failure.

Bhattacharya works with parliamentarians and is also writing a book about how young people can enter Indian politics