Despite public resentment, BJP has managed to maintain its vote share and Congress’ vote share has also increased. How does one best explain this scenario?
The Quint’s Editorial Director, Sanjay Pugalia, converses with CSDS Director Sanjay Kumar to discuss the Gujarat Assembly Polls 2017.
Kumar explains that when Congress was trying to align with Hardik Patel, Jignesh Mevani and Alpesh Thakor, there was counter-polarisation as well, due to which upper caste voters favoured the BJP.
On being questioned on whether the BJP was afraid that Gujarat's voters would make society and caste the determining factor while casting their votes, Kumar answered that as per their third survey, it was evident that the Congress was leading and giving a tough competition to the BJP.
Kumar stresses on the fact the remarks related to Mani Shankar Aiyar and Shehzaad Poonawalla had a clear impact on the elections as 35% of voters in Gujarat decided their vote in the last two days.
When asked what the big takeaways are for the BJP, PM Modi and Amit Shah, Kumar says BJP must find a way to address and communicate with disillusioned voters.
Also read: Gujarat Election Results: Congress’ OBC Face Alpesh Thakor Wins
Video Editor: Modh Ibrahim
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