How Narendra Modi prepared for Gujarat polls

Modi’s quest for a third full term started a good 16 months before the 2012 assembly polls. Some 300 public meetings, populist measures, extensive use of technology to woo the youth and attempts to refurbish his image globally were part of Modi’s poll preparations. Here’s how Modi went about it:

Full Coverage of Assembly Elections 2012

September 2011

“GOD IS GREAT”

After a favourable SC verdict, Modi Tweets “God is great” and flags off a relentless campaign

Undertakes a 72-hour public Sadbhavna fast in Ahmedabad. Seeks blessings from all religious leaders, but does not apologise for ’02 riots and even refuses to don a skull cap presented by an Imam

January 2012

RESTLESS FOR THE YOUNG

Makes Swami Vivekananda his poll mascot on his 150th birth anniversary year. Addresses 1.13 crore (30%) youth voters through a skill development programme, promising 50,000 jobs

February 2012

Taking centrestage announces 50,000 power connections to farmers

April 2012

CARS & JOBS

Woos Suzuki Motor Corporation to announce setting up its new plant in the state for Rs 12,000 crore. Ford too comes with Rs 4,000-crore car project. Modi plays up the investments later in election rallies, focusing on their potential in job-creation

August 2012

GUTKA BAN

Endears himself to lakhs of families by banning Gutka just three months before polls. Gujarat gets 16,000 cases of oral cancer every year, and the ban comes as a relief

LET’S HANG OUT

Modi connects with the youth through Google+ Hangout, first such attempt by an Indian politician. An estimated 5 lakh people from 116 countries clicked on to YouTube, granting the BJP leader a global platform

September 2012

Provides health insurance of Rs 2 lakh per family and free treatment of critical diseases

MY WAY OR...

Asserts his position in the party by refusing to attend the National Executive protesting BJP president Nitin Gadkari’s decision to reinduct bete noire Sanjay Joshi. Party sends Joshi back, removing doubts among the cadre about the leadership

November 2012

ALL DIMENSIONS

Gets innovative, presents himself in 3-D avataar. Holds more than 180 3-D holographic rallies during the election campaign. Novelty factor attracts urban voters. If 2007 was about Modi masks, 2012 assembly elections were about 3-D Modi avataar

December 2012

ELECTION MODE

Goes aggressive in rallies, raises eyebrows by raking up Sir Creek controversy in his trademark style during election campaign even as his critics slam him for fanning nationalist sentiments

Focuses on ground mobilisation, asks cadre to target 80% voter turnout, deploys 25 ground level workers per booth. As a result, the 2012 Gujarat elections see 71% voting, up from 60% voting in 2007