- Trust me, the recently concluded assembly elections to five states had generated tremendous hype, interest, and eagerness amongst the political class as well as citizens of the country who were waiting with bated breath to know the eventual outcome. Now that the election results are out, one can see usual mixed emotions like elation, dejection, disappointment, sense of achievement, euphoria, and strengthening of resolve to take on further challenges amongst the victors and vanquished. Against popular belief, some of the election results have indeed come as a surprise not only for the Bharatiya Janata Party but also for the Grand Old Party as well.
PC: Onmanorama Staff
- The BJP will be rightfully rejoicing in not only winning the incumbent states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, and almost Goa but also would be delighted to see the percentage of vote share increase in these states. Especially the UP election was touted as the most crucial election for the fortunes of the BJP before the general elections scheduled in 2024. The spectacular victory at the hustings for the BJP will largely help the party hold its sway in the Hindi heartland intact. The Modi-Yogi combination has worked wonders for the party which will surely galvanize the party cadre to prime up for ensuing elections with more vigor and intent.
- The BJP’s unexpected triumph in Uttarakhand is a definite surprise that was possible because of the Modi magic whose popularity in the region is unparalleled. Equally robust showing in Goa and Manipur firmly establishes the charismatic pull of the saffron leader who single-handedly helped the party cross the hurdle. People in the know would be aware that these elections were largely fought on populism, welfarism, religious polarization, and personal charisma. Mind you, the developmental plank was thrown in as an afterthought amid a slew of populist announcements that characterized the entire campaigning during the period.
PC: Soutik Biswas
- With Aam Aadmi Party winning the Punjab elections overwhelmingly at the cost of badly decimated Congress, the future looks extremely challenging for the Gandhi siblings and the family as well. Change of chief minister in the form of a Dalit failed to enthuse the Punjab electorate is a telling blow to the Congress leadership which could possibly lead to even more internal bickering questioning the authority of the family to steer across the patchy political waters. The latest drubbing will be hard to fathom for Congress since it is left with mere two states viz. Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, respectively for a national party once considered indispensable.
- Make no mistake, the political dynamics, as well as the narrative, will change from now onwards. There is no worthy national party to challenge the BJP is stating the obvious. Of course, the regional parties will keep growing stronger where they are better positioned to address local issues. Even though efforts are afoot by regional parties like the Trinamool Congress, Telangana Rashtriya Samiti, Shiv Sena, and some such like-minded parties to forge a non-BJP and non-Congress third front, the lack of cogency as well as common ground between the parties is bound to weaken the proposed move. As such, it appears that the Modi-led BJP and NDA will have no worthy challengers in the foreseeable future. The BJP will not mind one bit though.
