"Anti-Incumbency" and Technocratic Shift in Electoral Analysis
Introduction:
Israeli writer Yuval Noah Harari’s assertion that “algorithm” is the most crucial term of the 21st century has competition from “anti-incumbency” during electoral seasons. Psephologists employ this term frequently, potentially overlooking the underlying issues that shape voter sentiment.
Displacement of Focus:
– Normalization of Discontent: The language of anti-incumbency tends to normalize discontent, attributing electoral outcomes to historical trends rather than addressing persistent issues.
– Missed Questions: Winning or losing is often discussed in terms of anti-incumbency, sidestepping questions about governance quality and unheard issues.
Technocratic Language and Electoral Autocracy:
– Flattening Processes: The technocratic language of anti-incumbency reduces complex political processes to averages and predictions, contributing to electoral autocracy.
– Marginalization of Policy: Policy preferences become marginalized, and quantification becomes the primary method to differentiate political parties.
Power Dynamics of BJP:
– Efficiency and Mobilization: The emergence of the BJP as an electoral machine is attributed to its speed, scale, and last-minute mobilization capabilities, shifting the focus from organizational power dynamics.
– Normalizing Elections: The spectacle of drama in electoral communication normalizes elections, sidelining their impact on social ethics and collective trust.
Disappearance of Issues:
– Invisibilization of Issues: Psephology and electoral analysis contribute to the near-complete invisibilization of crucial issues, such as poverty levels and working conditions of migrants.
– Technocratic Invisibilization: The technocratic approach replaces essential public discourse with numerical measures like GDP growth rates, leading to hyper-nationalism.
Conclusion:
Psephology and electoral analysis, adopting a technocratic lens, contribute to the displacement of crucial issues and the normalization of discontent. The focus on anti-incumbency supervises the root causes, hindering meaningful reflection and deliberation in electoral processes.
Odisha's Transformative Journey in Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Introduction
As the world grapples with the worsening impact of the climate crisis during COP28 in Dubai, Odisha’s success story emerges as a beacon of hope. This analysis focuses on three key themes: agricultural transformation, resilience to climate impact, and social protection.
Agricultural Transformation
- Odisha has undergone a remarkable agricultural transformation, shifting from importing rice to becoming a record producer of 13.606 million tonnes of food grains in 2022.
- Notably, small and marginal farmers play a significant role, and the average rice yield has tripled in two decades.
– Kalahandi District’s Turnaround: Once labeled the “land of hunger,” Kalahandi is now Odisha’s rice bowl, symbolizing the state’s commitment to achieving the ‘Zero Hunger’ goal of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.
– Focus on Small Farmers: Initiatives like Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) and scientific crop management practices have empowered small farmers, strengthening food security and creating resilient livelihoods.
– Diversification: Flagship schemes like the Odisha Millet Mission have promoted crop diversification, enhancing climate resilience and sustainability.
Resilience and Sustainability
- Given Odisha’s vulnerability to climate change, the state has proactively developed a comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan.
- The plan covers various sectors and involves multiple departments and civil society inputs.
- The approach is bottom-up, with regular monitoring through activities like the Crop Weather Watch Group.
- Climate-Resilient Practices: Farmers adopt climate-resilient practices, including integrated farming, zero-input-based natural farming, and women-friendly farm mechanization, mitigating the impact of frequent adverse weather conditions.
Social Protection
Odisha’s agricultural sector’s consistent improvement has made it a surplus state for paddy production.
Collaborations with the United Nations World Food Programme have led to innovative pilots improving food and nutrition security schemes.
– Statistical Significance: Odisha is the fourth most significant contributor to the Food Corporation of India’s paddy pool, producing 9% of the total rice in India.
– Government and WFP Collaboration: The partnership with the World Food Programme focuses on innovation in food and nutrition security schemes, earning Odisha the top rank in the State Ranking Index for the National Food Security Act in 2022.
Conclusion
Odisha’s transformative journey from food scarcity to surplus production, coupled with efforts in climate-proofing agriculture, crop diversification, and social protection, presents a unique and inspiring development model. The state’s success offers valuable lessons for other regions facing the challenges of global climate change.
Introduction:
The Supreme Court of India (SC) delivered a landmark judgment on December 11 regarding the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A), emphasizing the significance of constitutional integration and dispelling notions of disintegration.
Historical Context and Betrayal:
– Background of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh: The region’s captivating landscapes have long been marred by violence and instability, stemming from historical confusion and a dualistic mindset.
– Post-Independence Choices: The author reflects on missed opportunities at independence, opting for a confused approach, particularly regarding Jammu and Kashmir.
Personal Connection and Ideological Framework:
– Personal Involvement: The author, associated with the Jammu and Kashmir Andolan, views the issue as more than political, emphasizing the need to address societal aspirations.
– Legacy of Leaders: Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s sacrifice and Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s message of “Insaniyat,” “Jamhooriyat,” and “Kashmiriyat” serve as inspirations.
Desire for Change and Development:
– Perceived Injustice: The author considers Articles 370 and 35(A) as major obstacles, hindering the development and rights of the people, particularly the marginalized.
– Clear Objectives: Three pillars are prioritized in addressing the J&K situation: understanding citizens’ concerns, building trust, and focusing on development.
Government Initiatives and Development Strategies:
– Post-2014 Initiatives: The author highlights government efforts after coming into office in 2014, including a special assistance package after the 2014 floods and over 150 ministerial visits to the region.
– Focus on Development: The special package of 2015 addresses infrastructure, job creation, tourism, and support to the handicraft industry.
Harnessing the Power of Sports:
– Transformational Impact: The government leverages sports to inspire youth, upgrading venues, organizing training programs, and encouraging the establishment of local sports clubs.
Democratic Processes and Accountability:
– Panchayat Polls: The government prioritizes democratic values, even letting go of power for principles during the Panchayat polls, reflecting the democratic nature of J&K citizens.
Abrogation of Article 370 and Transformation:
– Parliamentary Decision: The author emphasizes the significance of the historic decision to abrogate Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
– Four Years of Transformation: Despite the SC verdict in December 2023, the author notes the widespread development and positive changes in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Government Schemes and Inclusive Development:
– Saturation of Schemes: Central government schemes like Saubhagya and Ujjwala achieve saturation, covering all sections of society.
– Infrastructure and Tourism Boost: Positive changes include improved healthcare, ODF Plus status for all villages, transparent government hiring, improved indicators, and a notable boost to infrastructure and tourism.
Supreme Court Verdict and Shared Commitment:
– Strengthening Unity: The SC verdict aligns with the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” emphasizing unity and shared commitment to good governance.
Conclusion:
Transformation and Hope: The editorial concludes with the assertion that the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh now envision a future filled with vibrant aspirations, as development, democracy, and dignity replace disillusionment and despondency.
