BJP's triumph in Hindi heartland alters political landscape ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2024

NEW DELHI: The recent electoral victories in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh have propelled the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duo towards a confident stride in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Congress faced setbacks in these crucial states, marking a shift in the political dynamics.

During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP grappled with concerns after conceding power to Congress in the aforementioned states. However, the 2023 assembly elections showcased a strategic resurgence by BJP, rectifying the missteps of 2018.

In 2018, anti-incumbency sentiment favored Congress, but this time, the tide turned against the Congress governments in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, benefiting BJP. The latter's ground-level voter influence and corrective measures played a pivotal role.

The Congress now faces the task of learning from BJP's effective grassroots strategies and addressing their past mistakes to stage a comeback especially with the looming 2024 Lok Sabha elections on the horizon.

BJP's meticulous approach involved tactical changes like introducing new faces in key positions, notably Raman Singh and Vasundhara Raje Scindia's transition in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, respectively. Shivraj Singh Chouhan's active campaign presence without being declared as the chief ministerial candidate in Madhya Pradesh also contributed to BJP's resurgence.

BJP capitalized on key issues, such as addressing concerns among different community segments and leveraging Narendra Modi's popularity in rallies. Their Bharat Sankalp Yatra, highlighting welfare schemes, further solidified their foothold.

While Congress attempted to weaponize corruption allegations in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, BJP adeptly countered this narrative securing votes through established party bases and capitalizing on Modi's charisma.

Despite Congress's efforts to appeal to minorities and announce welfare schemes in Karnataka, BJP countered with assurances tied to Modi's leadership.

The financial and resource advantage wielded by the ruling BJP at the Center over nine years significantly bolstered their dominance over Congress in these states.

Moreover, BJP's success in a three-cornered fight in Telangana underscores its growing influence, albeit not directly against Congress.

Looking ahead, BJP aims to leverage the impending inauguration of the Ram Temple shrine in Ayodhya, along with aligning strategies based on the Congress-led India Front's moves, possibly leaning towards objectives like the Civil Code.

The setback faced by Congress in these elections undermines its aspiration for continued rule in Chhattisgarh, a Madhya Pradesh comeback and casts doubt on Rahul Gandhi's projection as Modi's primary challenger.

The failure to secure a seat agreement with the Samajwadi Party in Madhya Pradesh has not only affected the India Front but also diminished Congress's aspirations of being an NDA alternative

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The defeat challenges the Congress narrative of Rahul Gandhi's increased acceptability and raises doubts about his leadership on the national stage, necessitating answers from Congress within the India Front.