By Rameez Makhdoomi
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reigning at the center for the past decade, has indisputably emerged as the single strongest political force in India. The recent victories in the state elections of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have defied political predictions and surveys, showcasing the BJP’s resilience and influence in the Hindi heartland.
In states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, where the BJP faced challenges, it managed to secure unexpected victories. Contrary to the narrative spun by some Facebook journalists and YouTubers, the ground reality tells a different story. The BJP has been effectively capturing the mood and inspiration of Hindu civilization, not just in recent months but over an extended period. This stronghold is reinforced by the party’s women-oriented schemes and a discourse that resonates with women.
When the Congress Party aligns itself with the imprudent remarks of certain DMK members, criticizing Hinduism, it amounts to a self-inflicted setback. The Congress appears uncertain about its secular ideology, evident when leaders like Kamal Nath in Madhya Pradesh aggressively assert their Hindu identity, inadvertently adopting the BJP’s discourse.
The BJP has capitalized on the discourse surrounding religious conversions, particularly among Hindu tribal communities, where Congress found itself unprepared. Moreover, Prime Minister Modi’s high-voltage campaign in the poll-bound states, with a focus on connecting with the common man, has contributed significantly to the BJP’s success. The extensive rallies, roadshows, and enthusiastic crowd responses have translated the party’s message into a formidable vote bank.
The BJP has consistently championed the cause of culture and religion, maintaining a strong appeal to its core vote bank. In North India, with the exception of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, the party’s resonance with the aspirations of the majority community has been evident in every election result. The Congress, especially in the Hindi heartland, seems to have lost touch with its core vote bank.
As the BJP positions itself as the defender of Hindu civilization and its value system, it enjoys significant support among the majority of Hindus. The opposition’s alliance faces an uphill battle in challenging Narendra Modi’s leadership in the 2024 elections. Congress, except in a few states, appears to have ceded ground, highlighting the need for a substantial overhaul in its approach and leadership.
The BJP’s victories in the Hindi heartland not only solidify its political dominance but also underscore its ability to connect with the cultural and religious sentiments of a significant portion of the Indian population. The road ahead for the opposition is laden with challenges, requiring a strategic reevaluation and a nuanced understanding of the evolving political landscape.
