Findings of the Lokniti-CSDS Survey show that the party, as represented by its leadership, was a key factor for both BJP and AAP voters. Only a handful of respondents referred to the CM candidate as a key factor influencing their choice.
In the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, the BJP did not declare a chief ministerial candidate. It kept the focus on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the “face” of its campaign, seeking votes on the promise of the “Modi guarantees”. For the AAP, the electoral campaign and strategy revolved around the persona of Arvind Kejriwal.
The Lokniti-CSDS Survey conducted around the time of the elections indicates that for a majority of the respondents (57%), the party was the most critical consideration when deciding whom to vote for. Close to one-third of the respondents (32%) mentioned the candidate as being the key factor behind their voting decision. A handful of the respondents referred to the CM candidate as a key factor influencing their voting choice.
Asked about their preferred CM choice (without any names being suggested) close to four of every ten (39%) mentioned Kejriwal. In contrast, 31% of respondents indicated they would support anyone from the BJP, while 6% named specific BJP leaders.
More than eight of every 10 respondents who voted for the BJP (85%) stated the influence of PM Modi on their choice. Similarly, three-fourths of those who voted for the AAP (72%) stated that Kejriwal influenced their voting choice.
At the end of the day, for BJP voters, Modi’s leadership and the party holding out guarantees in his name appeared to be key factors that swung the vote in the party’s favour. In the case of the AAP, the presence of Kejriwal appeared to be a key factor in encouraging voters to choose it.
In important ways, Modi represented the party for BJP voters as did Kejriwal for AAP voters. This is in consonance with the opening argument that the party, as represented by its leadership, was a key factor for both BJP and AAP voters.Shastri is Director-Academics, NITTE Education Trust and the National Coordinator of the Lokniti Network.
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