The News Natioanl, Kolkata Desk ,
The Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival 2025 hosted a riveting session with veteran journalist and author Rajdeep Sardesai, who shared insights from his latest book, The Election That Surprised India. This book brings to life the inside story of a dramatic period in Indian politics and society. Every twist and turn are revealed in an exciting narrative on the tumultuous events of our times.
Unsparing and uncompromising, this is an unputdownable account of power politics, the main characters and their role in influencing the headlines of our times. After the best-selling books on the 2014 and 2019 elections, Rajdeep Sardesai now takes a deep dive into India’s most bruising and polarized political battle and the many stories that shaped an extraordinary election verdict.
Sardesai in conversation with veteran journalist, Monideepa Banerjie, reflected on the unexpected outcomes of the recent elections, which he had initially believed to be “a done deal,” given the focus on the Ram Mandir, Nitish Kumar’s exit from the INDI alliance, and widespread calls for “Ab ki baar, 400 paar!” However, the results reaffirmed that no single party or leader can monopolize Indian politics. “Despite the media’s noise, the people cut through it to make their voices heard,” he remarked, emphasizing the resilience of India’s democracy.
Sardesai delved into how politics in India has evolved over the decades, highlighting the centralization of religion in mainstream discourse.
“What was once marginalized in Indian politics is now at its core,” he observed, adding, “the genie of religion in politics is tough to put back in the bottle.” Discussing the concept of “Moditva,” he described it as a unique blend of Mandal, Mandir, and Market that encapsulates the aspirations of 21st-century India. He also reflected on the changing electorate, particularly among the youth born post-1991, who approach politics with a transactional mindset, asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’
He acknowledged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as one of the last remaining mass leaders, noting that while she connects deeply with the people, some may accuse her governance of having taken a backseat.
Sardesai also voiced concerns about the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, arguing that it undermines India’s federal structure and threatens the diversity of its democracy.