Thread by @naukarshah

In an ideological battle, you can defeat the other.

In an electoral one, you need to win them over.

While electoral battles do have an ideological component.

they are not entirely or even mainly ideological battles.

If we consider people who voted for the opponent as our enemy, then we are fighting an ideological battle.

But based on a wrong data. Their voting preference.

And if we continue to treat them as our enemy, then we are only helping to consolidate the current power position.

Just because we are on this side and they are on that side doesn't mean we assume intellectual superiority.

Bridges need to be laid.

It needs to be conveyed as to why it is better here.

And then make it easier to come to this side.

Not chide them for being there till now.

Those bridges are conversations.

Be it virtual gatherings or the real ones.

Everyone who opposes us or criticises us is not a troll or an IT cell agent.

Even if they are, the person behind that account is a fellow citizen. And every fellow citizen is worth engaging with.

People who are fighting an ideological battle can dismiss them as trolls. As a waste of time and energy. Though I hope even we don't do that.

But for the people who are fighting an electoral battle, it is imperative that they engage with the people from the other side.

For that one incremental vote from the person from the other camp is what will win you the election.

And one doesn't need to forego their ideology for this.

All that you need is to not treat them as enemies. Not make it difficult for them to change sides.

We are on two sides of a river.
We need more people to come this side.
Let there be bridges. Let there be boats.
Talk to own side to keep them here.
Talk to others to get them here.
Make the journey and destination smooth.
Be it on twitter or in that booth.