Bhanu Joshi

A fundamental shift in electoral behaviour

Role of the intermediary in Indian politics stands fundamentally decimated with welfare delivery — and political attribution and power — centralised in party leaders. This was most pronounced in UP

Polls analysis: Several uncertainties remain in battle for UP

The first misconception is that the BJP wins simply by superior performance in areas dominated by Hindus as compared to Muslims.

The micro narratives that shaped the poll agenda in Uttar Pradesh

UP election: There is a significant dip in religious polarisation in Purvanchal as we move from western Uttar Pradesh. And eastern UP doesn’t have either an urban agglomeration or agricultural surplus like the NCR in western UP to boost the region’s economy.

Party versus identity politics in Punjab polls

In Punjab, groups and interests have coalesced around parties: the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), originally an explicitly religious party representing the rural Sikh class, and the Congress, having roots across social groups, including the state’s Hindus

Rural-urban divide may shape AAP prospects

Many are wondering if AAP will emerge victorious, especially with SAD seemingly in a weaker position and without longtime ally, BJP. Congress, too, has baggage from its messy ouster of former chief minister (CM) Amarinder Singh and the ensuing contentious battle over who would be the CM face.

Hindus’ consolidation may shape Uttar Pradesh election results

As one moves east from Muzaffarnagar district to Bareilly district, there is a noticeable shift in the social context

UP polls: Understanding shifts in caste, religious identities

Hindu-Muslim polarisation is not as outwardly visible despite being an everyday reality. Many Jats, who once openly voted on the basis of a “Hindu identity”, are fighting the election side-by-side with Muslims due to the Samajwadi Party (SP)-Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) alliance.

Understanding shifts in caste, religious identities in UP polls

In 2017, the BJP turned the area into a series of “census elections” where it could win the election based upon the numerical dominance of the Hindu vote as compared to any plausible coalition of dominant caste groups and Muslims

Himachal election results 2017: Why the hill state always votes for one or the other national party

The voters in Himachal have been offered choices between parties like the Sukh Ram led Himachal Vikas Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and the Communist Party of India (CPI-M). However, good intents or high motives seem dwarfed under the question of the “ability to govern”

Citizens are the foundation for smart cities

To succeed, citizens must have more say in the Smart Cities Mission

The absence of grievance architecture could result in resistance or the creation of spatially and economically polarised cities