As Maharashtra and Jharkhand gear up for assembly elections, the spotlight has shifted from pressing socio-economic issues to identity politics. Key concerns like Maharashtra’s ongoing farmer suicides and Jharkhand’s rising poverty are no longer top-of-mind, with politicians instead focusing on emotional and divisive topics.
In Maharashtra, regions hit hardest by the agricultural crisis, like Amravati, have seen a staggering 557 farmer suicides between January and June 2024. Yet, the farm crisis is barely making headlines in the election campaign. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s public rally in Nandurbar focused more on identity politics, while Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath criticized Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge for allegedly suppressing historical facts about the Razakars under the Nizam of Hyderabad. Similarly, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis targeted AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, invoking the “Razakars” to stir emotions instead of addressing local issues.
In Jharkhand, the focus has also shifted to identity and emotional issues. The BJP has concentrated its campaign on the theme of “illegal immigration,” with Prime Minister Modi accusing tribal women of being cheated and their land being stolen. BJP leaders are betting on this narrative, which previously worked in Assam and border states. However, Jharkhand remains one of the most economically backward states, with high rural poverty rates and a low per capita income.
Afsar Hussain noted BJP’s focus on emotional issues, while Kalpana Soren highlighted welfare schemes and questioned immigration data.
Economist Anand Kumar argues that voters today are more concerned with immediate economic gains than long-standing political narratives. Identity politics, once rare in state elections, has now taken center stage as politicians play on emotions to secure votes.
In both Maharashtra and Jharkhand, identity politics overshadow crucial issues, leaving voters questioning if real change is coming.
