But it is the BJP’s historic victory in Uttar Pradesh — almost 80% of its 403 seats — that will resonate the most. It is the state that has seen the rise of regional parties, yet not witnessed the politics of regionalism. All the main faultlines of India’s politics, along the axes of caste, class and community, are etched here. Modi was successfully able to label “social justice” as “casteism”, even as his party made a more pronounced bid for backward caste support. As one voter in eastern UP put it, “Rahul ji tez kam hain (Rahul is not quick enough)”.

Source: Indian Express March 12, 2017 00:00 UTC