Psychological Political Warfare | PM’s Kashmir rally to galvanise BJP’s poll prospects

Jammu, Mar 5: Ahead of actual electoral battle, psychological political warfare is already on, though across the country yet J&K forms the setting of its most engrossing spectacle.

Besides, usual political cacophony, local dimensions add to the flavour and fervour.

Unlike other states and Union Territories, key poll players in J&K, except one, are still fighting in the dark, in the absence of clarity on certain crucial election related issues.

One of the major confusions, persisting and impacting the poll preparations of even major mainstream political parties, relates to the possibility of simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha polls – a build-up generated through baffling statements.

Amid this confusion, undoubtedly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (lone exception among key players) being the ruling clique enjoys a clear edge in political mind-games.

As an icing on the cake, the party is all set to accord grand-welcome to its “talisman” personified - with another trailblazer political show and this time in Kashmir.

Going by the scale of preparations and excitement, which the local party leadership with the support of its in-charge(s) J&K affairs, has been able to generate among its cadre, those who keenly follow party affairs believe that the Prime Minister’s ensuing March 7 rally at Bakshi stadium will further galvanise its (BJP’s) poll prospects in psychological political warfare.

“See, don’t restrict your gaze to J&K only. For sure, a successful, massive rally in Kashmir will have its definite political connotations, not just for the political opponents but for the prospective voters as well – not just in J&K but across the country. J&K is not just any other state or UT. It is not just for the heck of it – it (J&K) is called the crown of India. It forms an important part of core structure in BJP’s (political) scheme of things. The party has an ambitious agenda in the year of general elections. When it says – Ab Ki Baar, 400 Paar; the opponents and many others scoff at it. But those who understand its politics, will not take it lightly,” a senior BJP leader explains a bit of psychological warfare, an important tool in electoral battles.

“Our leadership sets a big target for the cadre to achieve. Then it works hard and inspires the entire rank and file to believe that it is not impossible. Its stratagem has all its pieces in right place. When you aim for higher than what you actually need; your prospects go brighter. Complacency is simply a no-no-thing in that strategy. This collectively creates a psychological impact on your opponents which give you a clear edge. Such shows of strength also give the party an opportunity to get the right perspective vis-à-vis its poll prospects. While talking about the PM’s Kashmir rally, don’t forget the G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting, which took place here last year. It had resonance across the globe and in other parts of the country as well. Images, even if they are symbolic, play a crucial role in real politics as well as psychologically,” he adds.

Describing the Prime Minister as the party's mascot, a veteran journalist resolves certain other puzzles as well.

“This will be the Prime Minister’s first visit to Kashmir, post Article 370. He will bring his report card enumerating achievements and promises fulfilled. Scheduled Tribe status for Paharis; SC status for Valmikis; reservation for OBCs; massive start-up push for youth; industrial investments; political empowerment of women; semblance of peace; decline in terror acts; exuberance in political, social life of Kashmir and vibrant sport scenario. Preparations have been made in advance to make it a majestic affair,” he points out.

Referring to another conundrum, the veteran scribe asserts that opacity vis-à-vis simultaneous assembly and parliamentary polls in J&K amid confounding statements, for all purposes, will finally be removed by the Election Commission of India by mid-March.

“However, if one goes through the poll body’s recent advisory for political parties to maintain decorum in public campaigning, carefully, one may find a hint that there is no possibility of simultaneous assembly and LS polls. ECI has mentioned that for the General Election to Lok Sabha and General Election to four State Legislative Assemblies, all phases and geographical area of elections shall be the basis to determine “repeat” offences,” he maintains.

“If you check further, there are four states which will go to polls in April-May. So probability in case of J&K is less,” he adds.