New Delhi: For too long, Indian politics has been a spectacle of empty promises and personal attacks – from freebies to mudslinging contests over corruption, the narratives have covered them all. And this has often obscured the very reason behind the existence of this dizzying dance of rhetoric: the electorate.

What is this crucial factor that has now taken the spotlight in one of the world’s largest democracies? A fundamental pillar for any democratic system and the very first line of our Preamble: We, the people of India.

This past year has revealed an evolving pattern in this dance of democracy, and covering the Delhi elections on the ground, in particular, has reinforced and solidified my observations and, subsequently, my analysis of the same.

I have often found myself in drawing-room discussions where members of the urban intelligentsia lament how the media peddles propaganda, creating false impressions about governance—whether at the Centre or in the States. The fear they project is that such narratives shape voter mindsets, influencing and swaying them in a particular direction.

However, my own observations suggest otherwise. The Indian electorate is far more discerning than it is often given credit for.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the subsequent state assembly elections over the past year have delivered a clear message: the Aam Janta (common man) is no longer swayed by hollow rhetoric or divisive narratives. Instead, voters have demonstrated a sharp focus on performance, governance,and accountability, marking a significant shift in India’s political landscape.

The BJP-led NDA secured a majority with 293 seats, but the BJP’s individual tally of 240—a loss of 63 seats compared to 2019—reveals a clear anti-incumbency sentiment. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic third term, the results underscore that voters are no longer willing to be swayed by grand narratives alone.

The BJP’s losses in key states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan highlight the electorate’s growing dissatisfaction with unaddressed issues such as unemployment, inflation, and regional disparities. In Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi........

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