Evolution of Political Campaigning in Assam: A Historical Perspective
Changing Dynamics of Political Campaigns
Swarm of people gathered for BJP election campaign programme in Majuli (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, April 23: Over the years, the nature of political campaigning has undergone significant transformation since Independence. Initially, political parties and candidates focused primarily on policies and the shortcomings of their rivals. However, this approach has shifted dramatically, with personal attacks now prevalent in campaign strategies.
To gain insight into these changes, we spoke with veteran politician Hemen Das, who has witnessed the evolution of campaigning firsthand. Having participated in elections since 1952 and contesting his first election in 1967, Das noted that the current political landscape is incomparable to what it was in the past.
He reminisced about a time when candidates maintained cordial relationships, emphasizing that their campaigns revolved around political issues, state challenges, and farmers' concerns. In stark contrast, he lamented the decline in campaign standards today, where personal attacks overshadow discussions about pressing state issues.
Das has contested elections eight times, achieving victory four times and facing defeat on four occasions. He expressed dismay at the current low level of campaigning, citing the harsh criticism directed at the mother of Kunki Chowdhury, a candidate from Central Guwahati, as an unacceptable example of personal attacks.
Reflecting on the camaraderie among candidates during his early days, Das shared that they often dined together post-campaign, treating each other as political rivals rather than enemies. He recalled that transportation for campaigning was modest, with cycles being the preferred mode for reaching remote areas. During his first election, he rented a jeep for a week, relying on a bicycle for the rest of the time. Unlike today, where candidates boast fleets of vehicles, back then, even Congress candidates refrained from flaunting wealth.
Das highlighted the escalating costs of elections, noting that many candidates now utilize multiple vehicles, with major parties like BJP, Congress, and AIUDF even employing helicopters. He remarked on the staggering amounts of money being spent in contemporary elections.
When asked about electoral integrity, Das recalled the significant rigging that occurred in 1985 when the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) assumed power following the Assam Accord. He observed that the influx of money into elections began in 1991, with its influence growing in subsequent elections.