Why the BJP Keeps Winning

The Unstoppable Political Force in India

THE RULING pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered a partial setback in the 2024 parliamentary elections, with its seats in the 545-member House reduced from 303—a clear majority secured in the 2019 elections—to 240, a drop of 63 seats. This loss resulted in the party losing its absolute majority and becoming dependent on two allies.

After this setback, many believed that the BJP’s heydays were over and that it had entered a period of decline from which it would never recover.

Political analysts predicted a shift in the political landscape, suggesting that the opposition parties would now consolidate and pose a formidable challenge to the BJP’s dominance.

Some even anticipated that the electorate would begin to tire of the party’s ideological agenda, demanding more focus on economic growth, employment, and governance.

However, subsequent events have shown a resurgence of the BJP in many parts of India. The party swept the Maharashtra state assembly elections and performed strongly in the by-elections in Uttar Pradesh, the largest state in India.

It also won a majority in the Haryana state assembly elections, defying all predictions. Now, it has secured a large majority in the Delhi state assembly elections, returning to power in the state after 27 years.

Understanding the Resurgence

How does one explain this dramatic turn of events?

To my mind, the explanation is simple. When a party goes to the polls, it must offer something positive to the people. The BJP has ‘Hindutva’ to offer (whatever that may mean and whatever its worth), which resonates well with the 80% Hindu population of the country.

The party has skillfully positioned itself as the custodian of Hindu identity, appealing to cultural sentiments and leveraging historical narratives to strengthen its base.

The narrative of protecting Hindu interests and traditions, coupled with the portrayal of a strong leadership persona, has contributed significantly to its electoral success.

Additionally, the BJP’s mastery of electoral strategy and communication cannot be overlooked. Its extensive use of social media, grassroots mobilization, and strategic alliances has allowed it to dominate political discourse.

By effectively controlling the narrative, it has kept the opposition on the back foot, often dictating the terms of political debate. This strategic advantage, combined with its well-organized party machinery, has enabled the BJP to convert its ideological appeal into electoral victories.

The Opposition’s Dilemma

But what do the Opposition parties have to offer? Nothing. Zero. All their talk of secularism is perceived by the people as merely a desire for the large Muslim vote bank.

The opposition remains fragmented and ideologically disoriented, unable to present a cohesive narrative that resonates with the broader electorate.

Their inability to address local issues effectively, coupled with leadership crises within major parties, has left a political vacuum that the BJP has adeptly filled.

Furthermore, the opposition’s reliance on negative campaigning, focusing primarily on anti-incumbency sentiments, has not been sufficient to counter the BJP’s positive messaging around Hindutva and nationalism.

Voters appear to be more receptive to a vision, however ideological, rather than merely reacting to criticisms of the ruling party.

Looking Ahead: The BJP’s Continued Dominance

Therefore, the BJP will keep winning elections in India as long as the Constitution and the system of democracy practiced in India survive. Its continued success is tied not only to its ideological narrative but also to its ability to adapt to changing political dynamics. The party’s strategic agility, coupled with its robust organizational structure, gives it a significant advantage over its rivals.

In the foreseeable future, unless the opposition reinvents itself and offers a compelling alternative vision, the BJP’s political dominance is likely to continue. It has successfully positioned itself as the primary representative of the Hindu majority, a narrative that resonates deeply in India’s socio-political landscape.

Ultimately, the BJP’s electoral fortunes are linked to its capacity to balance its ideological pursuits with governance and development. If it continues to leverage its narrative effectively while delivering on economic and social fronts, its winning streak in Indian elections is unlikely to end anytime soon.

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