The Modi Campaign was unique in many ways. It resembled more like the Presidential election in the United States, and especially President Obama\u2019s election campaign in 2008.<\/p>\n
For the first time, the candidate was as important as the party. You were electing a leader of the nation and not just voting for a party.<\/p>\n
Second, Obama used the internet and smart phones to generate grass root contributions from ordinary citizens. Small amounts of five or ten dollars added up to the largest campaign contribution for a candidate. Many people who never went to the polls, got energized by their contribution and for the first time, registered to vote. This was particularly true among the young voters.<\/p>\n
Third, many people not affiliated with the party in small towns in each of the states volunteered to campaign for Obama. These were not just party loyalists but altogether new groups of people.<\/p>\n
Fourth, the Presidential Candidate Obama campaigned in several key states to support the local politicians for the Senate or the Governor races and secure they win against the opposition.<\/p>\n
Fifth, as an underdog, Obama attacked in key swing states (Ohio and Maryland for example). It was crucial to win in those states. I think this was key to Modi\u2019s strategy to attack in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other state where Congress had a well-established legacy.<\/p>\n
Sixth, Obama ensured that many undecided and independent voters will lean toward to him and ignore the fact that he is a Democrat.<\/p>\n
I think the communal and caste vote banks in India also got divided in favor of Modi. This includes Muslims who voted for regional parties in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Andra Pradesh.<\/p>\n
Finally, and most importantly, relentless campaigning in different parts of the country and in different settings (college campuses, factories, military bases) kept the Obama campaign fresh and localized to the audience and the context. It gave Obama the opportunity to discuss different issues relevant to target markets.<\/p>\n
Obama also reached out to people from all walks of life and to all ethnic groups including African Americans, Hispanics and Asians in addition to reaching out to White middle class majority. He overcame his own background as the first Black candidate. I think Narendra Modi, by reaching out to masses such as Chaiwalas, established himself as egalitarian and distanced himself as an elitist.<\/p>\n
In the final analysis, Modi also benefitted from the rise of the Am Admi Party (AAP). Its anti-corruption agenda clearly suggested that the country was out of control in terms of governance; and that it needed a strong leader.<\/p>\n