In this article for the New Indian Express, Shankkar Aiyar unpacks ten lessons from the recent electoral verdict in Maharashtra and Haryana. Excerpts below: 

"Written off by pundits, targeted by the ruling regime, Pawar led the NCP in a bruising battle to deliver 54 seats in Maharashtra. It is also an enduring lesson for politicos and parties across the country.

Lesson No 1: Modern-day politics yields no place for electoral tourism. Voters will thrash candidates and trash parties who do not show up and respect and reward those who do show up. This lesson is particularly important to those who believe in sulking as a political philosophy and invest in hope as a viable strategy."

Read the full article here.