The election results of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir tell two different and defiant stories. The reason is obvious. The assembly polls were significant, especially from a broader political perspective, because it was the first major election after the Lok Sabha polls in which the BJP’s tally was reduced. Since then, the opposition parties, especially the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi, have been spreading propaganda against the BJP with great vigor. However, they do not have anything tangible to persuade people to oppose the ruling system. Propaganda cannot change the truth.
The outcome of the Haryana election is undoubtedly not the decision of Manohar Lal Khattar or Bhupinder Singh Hooda. They may have been top players, but the choices were almost overwhelming. Had the BJP lost, it would not only strengthen the opposition but also encourage them to launch a new campaign against the BJP in general, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in particular.
Although Haryana is a small state, it is a litmus test. The deception of the opposition parties with the predicted victory was a boon for the BJP. There is no doubt that the Haryana election was a referendum on Modi’s popularity and the impact of BJP’s socio-economic programs.
Four factors led to BJP’s victory. First, the holding of national elections diverted voters’ attention to local leaders and factors. Massive social programs created a strong, silent vote bank for the BJP, especially among the marginalized sections. They remain unaffected by the caste and religious beliefs of the local leaders. Women and youth are also among the beneficiaries of Modinomics.
Second, the social philosophy of the Congress did not change. The party could not gauge public sentiment or the impact of Hindutva on the Indian psyche. Rahul Gandhi was trying, devoutly, to revive an old version of religion. Congress is full of lack of clarity about culture, religion and national heritage. Now there is nobody in the party – like Sampurnanad or KM Munshi – who will engage Rahul Gandhi on important social and cultural issues. He is a genius and a leader. This was not the case with Jawaharlal Nehru or Indira Gandhi.
Third, the Congress campaign center was the home of its leader, Hooda. The BJP, on the other hand, works – literally and figuratively – as a party. The message is clear. In a democracy, the people cannot be hostages of the monarchy. Literacy is increasing, as is awareness of democracy.
Fourth, because of its politics, Congress has become a class party in Haryana. The reach and ideology of the BJP is all inclusive. Moreover, the Congress has failed to reorganize or reorganize its workers at the grassroots level. Its success depends on social isolation. Therefore, it interacts with the leaders and forces that influence ethnic, community and regional politics. This is the stupidity of the Congress. The BJP used constructive communication programs to develop its public support base.
The verdict in Jammu and Kashmir is not in the BJP’s favor – but the result is about a murky narrative. This was the first election after the repeal of Article 370. The repeal heralded a new era for the government. In the last six years, the state has achieved much desired development. More than 2 million tourists visited J&K in 2023. More than 70 lakh beneficiaries have received Rs 6,000 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The enrollment of 1,80,000 children in primary schools shows that the days of stoning are over. The empowerment of panchayats and local leadership is evident in the government.
Still, the Muslim-majority country rejects the BJP. The burden is not on the saffron party. Its policies and programs remain non-discriminatory. The big question is about the influence of religion on voting. Diversity is not only important for cultural and social life — it is also political. Division along caste or social lines can make democracy stagnant.
Modernity in politics requires thinking about development and impartial goals. BJP’s connection with Muslims is part of the democratic process but more important is the connection between Muslims and Hindus in general and RSS in particular. For the last hundred years, this system has been one-sided.
The immigration of more and more people from outside the state – in various roles and jobs, including businesses, civil servants, etc. – was misused as a political issue by the National Congress. The importance of protectionism in such matters is a lesson for the BJP.
Haryana and J&K have shown that the people are now at a higher level – elitist politics is not buying. Every election adds a new dimension to Indian democracy. The biggest challenge beyond this decision is to free the parties from a narrow, divisive approach, which undermines the values ​​of liberal democracy. The strength of BJP is the organization and its workers. The same is not true for the opposition. Both in Haryana and J&K, the Congress is dependent on the chiefs and the division and division of society. Will it learn or continue on a failed path?
The author was a member of the BJP Rajya Sabha