Additionally, it appears that Modi’s efforts to appease BJP state leader and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa ultimately paid off. He won a substantial portion of the Lingayat vote, which could have easily gone in favour of Congress. Karnataka’s caste concentrations are still present, as seen by the Janata Dal (Secular) maintaining its primary support among the Vokkaligas.
The results of the local body elections in Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP won handily, were also revealed at the same time. Even while the two conflicts were diametrically opposedu2014not just in terms of their geographic proximity but also in terms of electoral concernsu2014when viewed as a whole, there are lessons for the BJP that a wise leader like Modi would not overlook.
Source: The Indian Express
First, let’s talk about the ‘Double Engine Sarkar’ catchphrase in the context of real delivery. Yogi Adityanath’s comeback, breaking the curse of no government winning a second term in Uttar Pradesh, was the best way to illustrate it. The people of Uttar Pradesh benefitted from the union and state governments working together during his first term. Especially during the epidemic, this was supported by transparent government and the provision of public goods. A case study in contrast was Karnataka.
The fiasco in Karnataka is also a warning to Modi to do what he preaches about Na Khaoonga, Na Khane Doonga. Due to internal pressures to reduce Yeddyurappa’s influence while keeping its traditional support base, particularly among the Lingayats, the BJP attempted to openly denounce corruption and excuse the Basavaraj Bommai administration’s incompetence. An example of the proverb you can’t have your cake and eat it, too.
The BJP would be living in denial if it believed that the 2019 scenario, in which the same voters that supported the Congress in the 2018 Assembly elections returned Modi with a landslide victory, would occur again. The ‘Modi magic’ is destined to fade after ten years and has already begun to provide declining results. The Congress will undoubtedly regain some of its momentum after Karnataka. It may even raise more money for campaigning.
Source: The Quint
Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand are the states where the BJP is currently not exhibiting any appreciable indications of resurgence. Bihar’s future is a little uncertain. Naveen Patnaik is passionately supported by Odisha. After Karnataka, the southern region is largely off limits. Minor excursions into Telangana and Andhra Pradesh won’t result in much benefits.
Despite the noise that K Annamalai is making, the BJP’s central leadership continues to lack an understanding of the Tamil mentality. In any case, Kerala is a non-starter. In order to prevent the BJP from losing ground before 2024, Modi and Amit Shah must defend the party’s historical strongholds.
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