In a stunning political comeback, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has regained control over Maharashtra, India’s wealthiest state, just five months after a major setback in the national elections. This win has shifted the political landscape and marked a remarkable rebound for the BJP-led alliance, especially as the opposition’s momentum seems to have faded. Here’s a look at how the BJP managed to reclaim this critical economic powerhouse and what it means for Indian politics.
The Importance of Maharashtra’s Election
Maharashtra is not just another state; it’s a powerhouse in India’s economy. Home to Mumbai, the financial capital of India, Maharashtra boasts a GDP of $510 billion, larger than the economies of countries like Norway and South Africa. With over 125 million residents, nearly double the population of the United Kingdom, the state’s political outcome carries immense national significance. Losing Maharashtra, a state long dominated by the Congress party, in June’s national elections was a major blow to the BJP. However, in this election, the BJP-led alliance, known as “Mahayuti,” has made an extraordinary recovery.
💥PM Modi starts BJP's led Mahayuti alliance 'VICTORY' speech by saying "Jai Bhawani Jai Shivaji" 🎯
PM says, "Development, Good governance & social justice have won in Maharashtra. Lies and deceit have suffered a crushing defeat" 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4qC3woQucq
— मैं हूँ Sanatani 🇮🇳 🚩🚩 (@DesiSanatani) November 23, 2024A Stunning Electoral Victory
The BJP’s alliance triumphed in Maharashtra’s 288-seat legislative assembly by securing more than 230 seats. The BJP itself claimed 132 of these seats, ensuring that Prime Minister Modi now has undisputed control over India’s economic juggernaut. This victory is even more impressive given that, just five months earlier, the BJP suffered a significant defeat in the 2024 general elections, where it only managed to win 17 of the 48 parliamentary seats in Maharashtra.
In the legislative assembly elections, the opposition, led by the Congress, faced a crushing defeat, securing only 16 seats—its worst performance in decades. Despite the Congress’s significant victory in Jharkhand, Maharashtra has proven to be a different story entirely.
The Opposition’s Failure to Build Momentum
The Congress-led alliance was expected to capitalize on its gains from the parliamentary elections, but it faltered in Maharashtra. Political analysts point out that the opposition was divided and unable to maintain the momentum. Sandeep Shastri, a political scientist with the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), noted that Congress failed to consolidate its position and lost touch with voters at the grassroots level.
The opposition was also embroiled in internal power struggles, which undermined its ability to campaign effectively. In contrast, the BJP remained focused, and its leadership, particularly on the ground, was far more disciplined and cohesive. The BJP’s success is being credited to its strategic shifts and efficient management of its coalition.
The Shift in BJP’s Strategy
While the BJP is known for leveraging Modi’s image in its campaigns, this time the party distanced itself from over-emphasizing Modi and instead focused on local issues and candidates. The party targeted its policies to the state’s unique challenges, and it proved to be a winning strategy. One of the most successful initiatives was the introduction of women-centric welfare programs, such as the “Laadki Bahin Yojna,” a cash transfer program offering 1,500 rupees ($18) per month to women aged 21-65. This program directly benefited millions of women voters in the state, helping the BJP garner significant support among this demographic.
According to an October CSDS survey, seven out of ten respondents reported benefitting directly from the Laadki Bahin Yojna. The scheme reached 23.4 million women in a state with 46 million female voters. This focus on women’s welfare helped the BJP secure crucial votes in a state with a highly diverse electorate.
The Role of Sangh Parivar and Local Organizations
Another key factor behind the BJP’s success in Maharashtra was the support from its ideological parent, the Sangh Parivar, a network of ultra-Hindu nationalist organizations. The Sangh Parivar’s extensive grassroots network played a pivotal role in the BJP’s victory. Local chapters of these organizations conducted thousands of door-to-door meetings, particularly targeting women and rural voters.
Sriraj Nair, a senior spokesperson for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), part of the Sangh, emphasized the crucial role of these grassroots efforts. “We are strong cadre-based organizations that have a presence in every village in the state,” he said, highlighting the effectiveness of their well-organized campaigns.
Shastri also pointed out that the BJP’s success was not only due to its leadership but also because of the Sangh Parivar’s involvement, which managed to run a highly coordinated and efficient election campaign.
Where Polarization Backfired: The Case of Jharkhand
Despite the BJP’s overwhelming victory in Maharashtra, the party faced a setback in Jharkhand. In that state, the BJP’s anti-Muslim rhetoric, which has been a central part of its campaigns in some regions, appeared to have backfired. The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led government implemented a women’s cash transfer scheme, providing 1,000 rupees ($12) per month to women aged 18-25. The program reached nearly 5.2 million women voters, yet the BJP’s reliance on religious polarization was not enough to secure a victory.
This loss in Jharkhand highlights the importance of contextualizing campaign strategies and adapting to local needs. While welfare schemes targeting women were successful in Maharashtra, the same approach did not resonate as strongly in Jharkhand, where other factors such as tribal rights and local politics played a greater role.
The Future of Maharashtra’s Political Landscape
The resounding victory in Maharashtra has propelled the BJP back to the forefront of Indian politics. The BJP-led “Mahayuti” alliance now faces the delicate task of managing internal dynamics as it stakes its claim to form the government. Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and Devendra Fadnavis, a senior BJP leader, are the top contenders for the position of Chief Minister. However, the BJP’s alliance partners will need to be consulted before any decisions are made.
In the coming days, the newly elected leaders are expected to take an oath and begin the process of governance. However, political analysts remain cautious, as the BJP must now consolidate its gains in the state while also addressing the growing challenges posed by the opposition.
A Turning Point for Indian Politics
Modi and the BJP have proven their resilience with this dramatic victory in Maharashtra, demonstrating their ability to adapt and recover after setbacks. The shift from a national narrative centered around Modi to a more localized approach focusing on welfare programs and local issues has paid off. This victory solidifies the BJP’s control over one of India’s most economically critical states and further strengthens Modi’s leadership in the country’s political landscape.
However, the future of Indian politics remains uncertain. While the BJP is riding high after its success in Maharashtra, the opposition is still reeling from its losses. How the opposition recovers and whether the BJP can continue to win support on the back of its welfare policies and ideological base will shape the political direction of India in the years to come.
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