The Intelligence from The Economist Which way UP: India’s bellwether election
Feb 10, 2022
Max Rodenbeck, The Economist's South Asia bureau chief, dives into the critical Uttar Pradesh election, discussing its implications for Prime Minister Modi and his Hindu-national agenda. Meanwhile, Mathieu Favas, finance correspondent, sheds light on the complex sale of fossil fuel assets by oil majors to private equity, illustrating the tension between sustainability commitments and ongoing hydrocarbon operations. The conversation also touches on the troubling trends in global democracy, examining shifts that have relegated countries like Afghanistan to the bottom of the Democracy Index.
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UP Election Significance
- Uttar Pradesh's state legislature election is crucial for Narendra Modi's BJP party.
- The election results will indicate BJP's and Modi's popularity and the success of the Hindutva agenda.
UP's Political Complexity
- Uttar Pradesh's political landscape is complex, influenced by caste and religion.
- The BJP's development work and handouts have pleased some voters, like those in Ramana village.
Varying Voter Priorities
- While some villagers praise BJP's development work, others focus on perceived lower crime rates.
- However, the crackdown on crime disproportionately affects minorities, raising concerns.