Again, the poll has failed to accurately predict the outcome of the election. Instead of the Bharatiya Janata Party returning to power for an unprecedented third term in Haryana, they predicted a defeat for the BJP. Whether it is the 2024 Lok Sabha elections or the Haryana assembly elections, both pundits and politicians have learned in India to never take the voter for granted. Despite Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda's undoubted hold over a substantial electorate, overconfidence in the outcome was a factor in the Congress party's defeat. It is surprising how leaders of some major political parties have reverted to the caste politics of the 1970s, making the caste factor a determinant of success. Using the caste card to promote a particular group over others has the effect of uniting other groups against a political party that uses caste as a strategy to win. Focusing on development is good for a political party and the nation as a whole. In the 21st century, especially the youth have a right to expect good governance. Lack of corruption and putting policies in place designed to increase jobs so more people can improve their lives. Better housing, education, employment and healthcare are to be reckoned with. A Chief Minister should run the government in such a way that everyone is treated equally. He or she should be independent of caste or creed. The objective of a Chief Minister of a state is to act in such a way as to show through good governance why he or his party should be given another post. Key to success is the empowerment of women and youth.
For most of its history as a republic, India was stuck in a low development orbit, where caste politics prevailed over the need to work for all, not just the few. It is not difficult to find scapegoats for malpractices such as the allegation that EVMs are rigged. Had that been the case, the BJP would not have lost the Karnataka assembly elections to the Congress or lost so many Lok Sabha seats in the general elections, while the Congress would have won more seats. A NC-Congress alliance would not have come to power in Jammu & Kashmir more than the BJP. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is right about the need to cooperate with the central government. But with Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi's “no holds barred” attack on the BJP and its leadership, it is doubtful whether the Congress party will allow him such an opportunity. It is important not only for J&K but for the rest of India that the new NC-Congress government looks to the future rather than going back to the past. The past has not been pleasant for many in Kashmir, and even less so for many who have been expelled from that beautiful state. Apart from moving up the ladder of international tourist destinations and investment destinations, J&K has the potential to emerge as a hub for education and technology. That must be Omar Abdullah's intention as well, because if he fails to deliver important things this time as chief minister, his party will lose popularity and go the way of PDP. In every state, the ruling party or parties are put to the test before an electorate that is increasingly prudent and less forgiving of mismanagement. Promises are cheap, and citizens expect performance. Gone are the days when the candidate was unimportant, only his party. The changed situation requires a change in the way politics is done. What is needed in the 21st century is the policies of the 21st century, not the policies of the past
