For Whom the Bell Tolls

Vijay Rupali’s ouster as Gujarat Chief Minister makes it clear that the ruling dispensation in the country led by the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duo is no longer sure of its sway over the people. The move comes just 5-6 months ahead of Assembly elections in five states, including the crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, which sends the largest number of members to the Lok Sabha. Gujarat itself would be having Assembly elections towards the end of next year. Rupani is the fourth BJP Chief Minister in the country to be shown the door this year. It earlier happened in Karnataka and twice in Uttarakhand.

Another big event in this context of course is the massive reshuffle of the Union Cabinet earlier this year. The dropping of several stalwarts from the Ministry made it clear that every body in the ruling dispensation was accountable except for the top duo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. After the mishandling of the Covid pandemic, it was clear that some heads were to roll. Also, the mishandling of the economic situation made crucial changes necessary.