2018 –CHANGE , NO CHANGE
Every election is different- here are some ways in which 2018 is different
* For the first time ,a Multipolar election in the true sense- with 5 parties(BJP, Cong , AAP, BSP & SAPAKS ) fighting on all 230 seats.
* The new twin electoral techniques are -controlling the data and managing the info/headlines.
* Many more professionals & bureaucrats entering the fray-SAPAKS, AAP,JAYAS
* Much more flow of cash ( this is a worldwide trend for sometime).
* Much greater use of social media
* Enhanced Caste weightage in seat allocation.
* Enhanced role of religion/ spirituality.
* Tribals using / being targeted via smartphones for the first time in a big way.
On the other hand , as the saying goes the more things change , the more they remain same.
* Despite tall claims , candidates were not declared by the major parties till the last moment- for the fear of poaching. SAPAKS went to the extreme on not declaring publicly and making them file nominations directly.
* As always manifestoes were not brought out till the last phase-pending competitive populism.
* As the deadline closed , the dirty tricks department became ever more active-fake letters ,recruiting turncoats, planting news.
* In the name of winnability everything goes-suitability goes out for a toss.
* Women,poor and minorities had ever decreasing proportion of tickets.
* You identity-dynasty, caste, religion is more important than your track record.
* Candidates with serious criminal charges given tickets(even the ones going for re-election )41% in BJP and 27% in Congress.