How to buy a state election, India style.
Well, in defense of the BJP, this is what every major Indian political party does or has done, particularly with respect to Uttar Pradesh. It’s India’s largest state, in terms of population, and sends 80 members to parliament. All of India’s most popular Prime Ministers, including the current leader Modi, have contested and won from UP. In terms of arithmetic and symbolism, UP carries as much weight in an Indian election as California, Texas and Florida put together.
The BJP was able to get a majority of seats in the 543-member parliament because it won 73 out of the 80 seats in UP. Even winning half that number in 2019 will go a long way in ensuring Modi has a chance of retaining power.