Governance and Government

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Modi (2014) Tracks And Trails Obama (2008)

A Logical Prediction: Modi (2014) Trails Obama (2008)
Indian Election: Modi, Obama of India
History repeats itself. The ongoing Indian election 2014 to parliament has many similarities with 2008 American elections. There are many commonalities between Modi and Obama. Both are having Leadership style, campaign management, ground situations, and result prospects alike. Hence, Modi's election is trailing on Obama's first election pattern and repeating the global history of US election.
Indian election appears three cornered. First is the Congress led United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Second is the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Third and last may be the BJP or the Congress supported third front. Third front could not take proper shape before election. It is a dream on paper and its’ very existence is in question. But, in case of fractured mandate, it will be a potent option. Therefore, Election in reality is two-dimensional. Modi-primeministerial candidate of BJP is leading NDA and undeclared Rahul Gandhi of congress is leading UPA. Now, election has centred between Modi and Rahul rather than BJP versus Congress. It is just like election between Democrats and Republicans in US.
In America, the republican Bush got two consecutive terms. The performance of first term gave him second term. But, Bush badly performed in his second innings. Likewise, Manmohan Singh got two terms in continuation. He did well in his first term. As a result, he repeated. But like Bush, he failed in performance in his second tenure. This proves Modi is facing same ground realities as Obama encounterd in 2008.
There is a big question. Will Modi-of-2014 be able to prove a verbatim of Obama-of-2008? There are many similarities between them in their style of functioning and marketing. One, both are well read and having in-depth knowledge of politics. Two, both are IT savvy. Three, both are authoritative and decisive. Four, both are good orators and famous for their effective speeches. Five, both are self-made. Six, both have lived poor life and seen hardships in their childhood. Seven, while Obama was the first to use internet, Modi is a 3D-innovative user in politics. Hence, both have comparable electo-political characteristics.
The U.S. Federal Election Commission finds that 2014 general election in India is projected to cost about $5 billion, making it the costliest election ever in India and the second most expensive campaign in world history, behind only the 2012 U.S. presidential election, which cost some $7 billion.
The huge sum marks India’s entrance into big-time election expenditures as well as the emergence of sophisticated Western-style campaigning, fund-raising and the domination of social media in politics. Narendra Modi, the visionary leader of the opposition BJP, is especially keen on the use of social media to attract young voters, while the incumbent Congress party has “started spending on digital, which it never did in 2009.”
Social media came in limelight in 2008 US election. It helped Obama in making him President. Though, all parties have realised its potential, but Modi is ahead among all in using it as selling tool. He copied Obama's social media model. As a result, this tool helped him a lot in building his image. Modi uses social media to connect and engage with high class gentry who are net savvy.
He is making favourable opinion by social media. His social media usage is well calibrated and planned like Obama’s election of 2008. These two tools, social media and 3D are keeping him always ahead of other competitors in race. Both, Modi and Obama have same political marketing strategy and electoral logistics.
A new dimension has emerged in the 2014-election. Which one is bigger, Party or Personality? Abki baar Modi sarkar or Abki baar BJP sarkar. Reality is that Modi’s personality is hovering over the party BJP. There is nothing wrong in it. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Obama are two cases to prove this.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee led a 16-party NDA to electoral triumph in the 1999 general elections. This was the saffron party's finest hour. Vajpayee's personal popularity was at its peak. The NDA led by him managed to cross the 300-seat mark in the Lok Sabha polls for the first time. The softer image and wider acceptability of Vajpayee are two significant differences between him and Modi.
Finance Minister P Chidambaram told a news channel in a press conference on Nov 5, 2013, “The BJP has projected a person larger than the party. They would realise their mistake, if not now, in the near future. You cannot project a person who is larger than the party in a parliamentary democracy,"
The Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi On March 11, 2014 in Balasinor, Gujarat, addressing a rally, launched a blistering attack on BJP's PM nominee Narendra Modi on his home turf by comparing him with Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and also accused his government of "stealing" farmers' land at the behest of corporates.
It appears Modi has full and free control over the election management. It is reflected that his personality is bigger than party BJP. On this ground, opposition is attacking him. This hard personality cult of politics of Modi over party politics is making many inside the party and outside the party uneasy. The slogan ‘Abki baar Modi sarkar’ over ‘Abki baar BJP sarkar’ is an evidence in inself to prove the case of personality cult of politics of Modi.
Like Modi, Obama also invited criticism because of pursuing cult of personality. Few Americans feel that his personality is bigger than his Democratic Party because of his style of functioning. Law professor Jonathan Turley at George Washington University said he's astonished by how passive Americans -- especially Democrats -- have been to President Obama's abuse of executive power, which he said has become so dangerous it's making the U.S. political system unstable. He told the House Judiciary Committee on Dec. 3, 2013 that Obama is "becoming the very danger" the Constitution was designed to avoid.
But Turley's a bit late to the party in noticing the Obama cult of personality that has turned the Democratic Party into a bunch of Soviet-style apparatchiks. The cult of Obama adoration has since become so unbearable the White House press corps revolted last year, denouncing the government-funded-propaganda that puts the president front and center into everything, even celebrations of pivotal historical events such as the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination. Therefore, it seems that both are doing politics on similar lines- personality politics rather than party politics.
The salient factors which are responsible for meteoric rise of Modi and Obama are quite similar. Their social-cultural backgrounds are same. Both of them have impressive and powerful influence on their respective parties intellectually and politically. They have been dedicated and silent gross-root level field works of their respective parties before coming to national scene. Now, They have achieved a remarkable and unmatched position in their parties on the grounds of individual personalities.
On the basis of similar electo-political characteristics and electoral logistics, Modi like Obama has kindled a ray of hope in the mind of people of his country at large . The comparative description of sequence of events reveals that same efforts will bring same results.
In US, the minimum number required to form government is 270, while in India it is 272. Obama got 365 in 2008 election. This is 95 more above the bottom line. In 2012 election, he got 332. Now recent predictions are in Modi' s favor and depicts his bright future. The basic question is what will be the tally of NDA on May 16. Will Modi get similar result as Obama?
Modi is following the same path of success on which Obama moved in 2008. On the grounds of logical reasoning, the result of Modi's election will be same as that of Obama's because he is making almost similar efforts as those of Obama. Therefore, it is obvious that Modi is going to be Obama of India.

References:
1. http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21601037-halfway-through-campaign-bjp-and-narendra-modi-look-strong-riding-wave
2. http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/how-the-narendra-modi-wave-rose-in-april-lok-sabha-polls/1/357541.html
3. http://www.firstpost.com/politics/varanasi-proves-congs-worst-fears-modi-wave-not-a-myth-1496011.html
4.http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/bharatjoshi/3716/65096/is-modi-the-next-obama.html
5.http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2013/12/22/sen_manchin_obama_doesnt_have_the_personality_to_work_with_people.html
6. http://www.breitbart.com/InstaBlog/2014/03/01/As-the-White-House-Turns
7. http://www.homelandsecurityus.com/archives/4979
8.http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/12/the-battle-within-the-democratic-party/282235/
9.http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-11-05/news/43697085_1_narendra-modi-rss-ideology-bjp-ideology
10. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rahul-Gandhi-compares-Narendra-Modi-to-Hitler/articleshow/31855067.cms
11. http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-modi-is-popular/
12. http://www.amazon.com/Change-We-Can-Believe-In/dp/0307460452
13. http://theweek.com/article/index/260324/why-narendra-modi-is-not-a-shoo-in-to-become-indias-next-prime-minister
14http://www.firstbiz.com/elections/4ps-modis-marketing-mix-working-congresss-82719.html

Modi (2014) Tracks And Trails Obama (2008)

Friday, April 25, 2014

AAP After Election-2014

In the world of politics, the AAP is akin to an open source movement. It’s leader, Arvind Kejriwal, is, in some sense, a pioneer like Linus Torvalds. He and his party have a defined a broad framework within which they operate - direct transparent funding, open candidate selection process, decentralization, no high command, people empowerment, involving people in decision making, and commitment to the implementation of strict laws that act as deterrents. The purpose of the movement is to “change the politics of the country,” while the mission is to end corruption, dynasty politics, communalism, and criminals in politics. The vision is to achieve transparency, reform, and accountability in government.
The AAP is here to stay, irrespective of how the polls turn out, because its fundamental framework is sound and sensible, just as Linux and Windows continue to co-exist. What it offers today to the electorate is a refreshing, clean, honest alternative packed with good intentions, something of the kind the nation has never witnessed. The choice of whether to embrace it or to ignore it, and how soon, is entirely up to the people. There is no “hard sell,” there is no Machiavellian master plan to take over the country, and there is no ambiguity about what AAP has to offer. What you see is what you get - It’s WYSIWYG!

http://blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/outsideedge/entry/open-source-politics-making-sense-of-the-aap-phenomenon?_rfh=1

AAP After Election-2014

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

2014 Election Proves- Marketing Matters

2014 Election Proves- Marketing Matters

Indian election to Parliament 2014 is in full swing. In elections political actors and parties sell social products to voters. Voters are market and catch for politicians. Projects, programs, promises, good governance, new welfare policies, ideas and schemes are social products. National and regional parties are having marketable social products. But if marketing is weak, product would not be sold. Modi’s marketing lead is acknowledged by his competitors.

The marketer E. Jerme McCarthy proposed 4P classification in 1960. Since then, it is in use worldwide. 4P marketing model is well known. 4P stands for product, price, promotion and place. This 4P model is product oriented. With fast changing situation, taste and technology, orientation is also changing- from product to consumer. In the 1990's 4C concept was introduced. There are two theories: first is Lauterborn's 4C is consumer, cost, communication, convenience; second is Shimizu's 4C is commodity, cost, communication, and channel.

Marketing word was monopolised by commercial market. In 1969, Levy and Kotler suggested that in addition to economic products and services, the concept of marketing is applicable to the marketing of persons, organisations, and ideas.

Political marketing is the process by which political candidates and ideas are directed at the voters in order to satisfy their political needs and thus gain their support for the candidate and ideas in question. The marketing concepts are quite applicable to political marketing. Admittedly, by focusing on the decision marketing approach to voter behaviour, other popular approaches were not given any exposure.

The primary aim of political warfare is to win votes, by building preference and shaping perception. The challenge of preference building has to be accomplished in a short of time. This is not classic marketing warfare; marshalling the 4Ps. Marketing in politics is more about the 4Cs than 4Ps.

Constituency is the equivalent of local markets in marketing. It is crucial for parties to think differently of the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies.

“Think national but choose local" is the best strategy, similar to brand marketing campaigns.

Comparative advertising is the cornerstone of political marketing. The idea is to portray competitors in an unfavourable way without being perceived as attacking them. Political advertising does this by creating FUD: fear, uncertainty, and doubt.

The U.S. Federal Election Commission finds that 2014 general election in India is projected to cost about $5 billion, making it the costliest election ever in India and the second most expensive campaign in world history, behind only the 2012 U.S. presidential election, which cost some $7 billion.

The huge sum marks India’s entrance into big-time election expenditures as well as the emergence of sophisticated Western-style campaigning, fund-raising and the domination of social media in politics.

According to the Centre for Media Studies, an Indian think-tank, the $5 billion price tag for the Indian election will be about triple the amount of money spent by Indian candidates in the 2009 general election.

Part of this spike can be explained by inflation, but also by the fact that politicians seek to appeal to a younger, tech-savvy Indian electorate with more easily accessible campaign venues, more television commercials, digital marketing efforts, closed-circuit live broadcasts of rallies and increased social media and Internet content.

Narendra Modi, the visionary leader of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, is especially keen on the use of social media to attract young voters, while the incumbent Congress party has “started spending on digital, which it never did in 2009.”

Indeed, Modi has been campaigning since last year, aggressively crisscrossing the country to give speeches in front of huge, adoring crowd. His excellent marketing plan and media management are keeping him in lead. Social media and 3D modern tool are his new marketing weapons to have lead against his competitors. Unlike others, he is managing his campaign on world-class selling techniques and managements. Above all, his advance planning and start leaves other adversaries behind.

He is first in 3D technology’s use worldwide. He is the first to use this technology in his assembly election of Gujarat in 2012. Now this experimented tool is a marketing boon for him in his ongoing election. This proves him an innovator and attracts young and net savvy voters. No other country and leader used it. Hence, he is showing the political marketing way to world leaders.

Social media came in limelight in 2008 US election. It helped Obama in making him President. After this, this new media as political marketing tool is getting ground gradually world map. Recent Delhi assembly election proved its might in Indian elections. AAP used it like Obama and Arvind Kejriwaal became Chief Minister within a year of one year old party.

Though all parties have realised its potential, but Modi is ahead among all in using it as selling tool. He copied Obama's social media model. As a result, the tool helped him a lot in making his image. Modi uses social media to connect and engage with high class gentry who are net savvy.

He is making favourable opinion by social media. His social media use is well calibrated and planned like Obama election of 2008. These two marketing tools are keeping him always ahead of others in race.

In internet age, old style of campaign and election management is getting obsolete gradually. Those who are relying more on old style are lagging. Here Modi is unmatched. He started his campaign long back in September 2011 with his much-hyped three -day fast for communal harmony. After this, he is campaigning non-stop. His election and campaign management is world-class with respect to Indian standard.

Modi and Nitish, as chief minister Gujarat and Bihar respectively have been running a long battle to capture the national imagination with their respective "governance models". The growth acceleration in Gujarat seems to owe more to the opening up of the Indian economy than to Modi's rule.

Modi ensured that economy did not lose steam by choosing wise economic policies but his performance is driving growth pales in comparison to Nitish. Weak marketing of Nitish is not fetching favourable results. While his social product is comparable or better than that of Modi's..

During an interview with a TV channel, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi said “BJP is better in marketing its campaign. But for us our strength is amongst the poor. Their (BJP) marketing is good. But our work is better than them.” Mostly national and regional parties and political actors are acknowledging this directly or indirectly.

Modi’s marketing, world class campaign managing, early starting and new technology tools are chariots to keep Modi in lead not BJP. It is Modi’s marketing which is pulling big crowds in his meetings. Well and accurate planning has provided time space to cover more meetings and constituencies is a very tight schedule.

As of now, it is visible that it is Marketing which helped BJP and Modi to build-up a conducive environment in his favour. Others are also having comparable social products. But due to poor marketing, they all are lagging far behind in political gains.

Modi is selling primarily two social products. First is good governance and second is development. He developed these two product in a state level market. But, he is able to sell these state level product in a national market. He is doing this by his marketing acumen. This proves political marketing matters in Indian elections.

Heera Lal (views are personal and academic, based on different sources)

References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marketing_mix

2. http://www.acrwebsite.org/search/view-conference-proceedings.aspx?Id=12061

3. http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-10-14/news/43032070_1_political-advertising-pm-candidate-marketing

4. http://www.ibtimes.com/indias-2014-election-cost-5-billion-second-only-price-tag-2012-us-presidential-election-1570668

5. http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140413/nation-politics/article/bjp-all-about-marketing-rahul-gandhi

6.http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/LytRsufeCWOdBGOZV7JkbL/Bihar-vs-Gujarat-Comparing-development-models.html

7. http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-04-22/news/38736125_1_bjp-mlas-gujarat-model-nitish-model

2014 Election Proves- Marketing Matters

2014 Election Proves- Marketing Matters

Constituency is the equivalent of local markets in marketing. It is crucial for parties to think differently of the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies.

“Think national but choose local" is the best strategy, similar to brand marketing campaigns.

Heera Lal (views are personal and academic, based on different sources)

References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marketing_mix

2. http://www.acrwebsite.org/search/view-conference-proceedings.aspx?Id=12061

3. http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-10-14/news/43032070_1_political-advertising-pm-candidate-marketing

4. http://www.ibtimes.com/indias-2014-election-cost-5-billion-second-only-price-tag-2012-us-presidential-election-1570668

5. http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140413/nation-politics/article/bjp-all-about-marketing-rahul-gandhi

6.http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/LytRsufeCWOdBGOZV7JkbL/Bihar-vs-Gujarat-Comparing-development-models.html

7. http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-04-22/news/38736125_1_bjp-mlas-gujarat-model-nitish-model

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Modi Marketing

Political marketing: More Opposition Means More Acceleration for Modi

Indian election to Parliament 2014 is in full swing. Now all, national or regional, are opposing Modi politically and persoanlly. They all are conflicting with him but not his party. This opposition is increasing his tally every day.

Oppose less to checking his fast growth needs slowing his opposition on the part of opponents.. Confronting him means acceleration for Modi. Initially Modi effect was there. But his intense opposition is gradually converting his effect into a wave. Still wave in not generated but effect is felt.

All political actors, parties are at loggerheads with Modi not BJP. This also helped him in making him the BigBoss of BJP. In this light opposition helped him more than he helped himself or his party in becoming the supremo in his own party.

Initial poll survey, opinion poll and forecast gave Modi fractured mandate. But now opinion polls and forecasts are revealing absolute majority from last week. How this happen. Who contributed more in this. Its answer is very simple- Opposition of the competitors.

Frequent and intense opposition convince the floating voters about his might. Voters understand that he is in fight with all and all along. Hence, they are siding with Modi in natural process. This way as election are approaching to end, his MP number is increasing with enemies help.

Modi must thank to all opponents for this help. Like in photography, positive comes with negative, he is getting positive with negative accusations. At the outset of the election he was less in focus of parties. But slowly and slowly his opposition keeps increasing. This gives him mileage.

His excellent marketing plan and media management are keeping him in lead. Social media and 3D modern tool are his new weapon to have lead with competitors. Unlike others, he is managing his campaign on world-class techniques and managements. Above all his advance planning and start leaves other adversaries behind.

He is unique in 3D technology use worldwide. He is the first to use this technology in his assembly election of Gujarat in 2012. Now this experimented tool is a boon for him in his ongoing election. This proves him an innovator and attracts young and net savvy voters. No other country is using this. Hence, he is showing the way to world leaders.

Social media came in limelight in 2008 USA election. It helped Obama in making him President. After this, this new media as political tool are getting ground gradually worldwide. Recent Delhi assembly election proved its might in Indian elections. AAP used it like Obama and Arvind Kejriwaal became Chief Minister within a year.

Though all parties have realised its potential, but Modi is much ahead among all in using it as tool. He copied Obama in social media use. As a result the tool helped him a lot in making his image. With social media he keeps connected with engaged with high class gentry who are net savvy.

Net user class helps him in making favourable opinion. His social media use is well calibrated and planned like Obama election of 2008. These two tools are keeping him always ahead of others in race. His luck is supporting him. Luck is converting all his odds and negatives into favours and positives.

In internet age, old style of campaign and election management is getting obsolete gradually. Those who are more emphasising on old style are lagging. Here Modi is unmatched. He started his campaign long back in September 2011 with his much-hyped three -day fast for communal harmony. After this, he is campaigning non-stop. He election and campaign management is world-class with respect to Indian standard.

In elections political actors and parties sell social products to voters. Voters are market and catch for politicians. Projects, programs, promises, good governance, new welfare policies, ideas and schemes are social products. Almost national and regional parties are having marketable social products. Bu if marketing is weak, product would not be sold. Modi Marketing is acknowledged by oppositions too.

Modi marketing, world class campaign managing, early starting and new technology tools are chariots to keep Modi in lead not BJP.

Heera Lal (views are personal and academic based on different sources)

ref:

1.http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/after-sadbhavna-fast-modi-plans-massive-rally-135757