BJP's Challenges and Path Forward in the Light of Recent General Assembly Poll Results

Over the past few months, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has faced a series of critical examination in various states through general assembly (GA) polls. The results have exposed the gaps and shortcomings of the party's ambitious promises and policies that were made and implemented since 2014. This article delves into the implications and lessons from these elections and outlines the strategic path the BJP needs to take to ensure a successful 2019 national election.

Understanding the Voters' Mindset

The Demise of False Promises

It is often said that the BJP thrived on false promises during the 2014 election campaign. However, the reality has proven that these promises were nothing more than election stunts and meant to mislead the voters. A common refrain among the BJP leaders has been a comparison to 2014: "60 sal se Congress ne kuch ni kia" (since 1960, the Congress has done nothing).

Nevertheless, this line has been debunked by the ground reality of India's complex socio-political landscape. Issues such as caste, religion, and vote calculations have influenced the electoral outcomes. The election results indicate that people are now acutely aware of the policies implemented and the actions taken by previous governments, both good and bad.

Key Policydebacles

Some of the BJP's key policy decisions, such as demonetization, the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and other measures, have fallen short of expectations. Those policies aimed at economic growth have encountered significant resistance and have not borne the desired results. Additionally, the ongoing rise in petrol prices and the perceived targeting of certain businesses have further alienated a portion of the electorate.

Annotation of Victories and Defeats

Regional Parties' Success: A Double-Edged Sword

The by-elections have also revealed the strength of regional parties. In Karnataka, for instance, the Congress party won despite the controversial means by which they regained power. Similarly, in Bihar, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) secured victory largely because of the unpopularity of the front party.

In Kairana, the BJP faced a loss, despite the significant work done by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to curb goondaism and lawlessness. However, a deeper analysis shows that the BJP still managed to secure a substantial 46 percent of the vote share. The lower voter turnout also played a crucial role in the results. Nonetheless, this outcome is not disheartening for the BJP, as the party still holds onto crucial support.

Caste and Religion: The Swing Voters

Cast and creed have been strategic tools that have often worked against the BJP. Despite implementing several schemes that benefitted various sections of society, the party did not reap the anticipated rewards. This suggests that the BJP needs to reevaluate its strategies and promises, especially with regards to addressing the concerns of different caste groups.

Towards 2019 General Elections: A Strategic Reassessment

The challenge now lies in solidifying alliances and addressing the needs of every strata of the society. The BJP must focus on proving that they are a non-corrupt party, dealing stringent penalties to corruption, and bringing back fugitives like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. The party's recent proactive steps, such as Amit Shah's meeting with Shiv Sena and Akali Dal, can be seen as significant moves towards strengthening their coalition.

Legal and Judicial Strategies

The party needs to hasten the legal proceedings in cases involving the PC family, Rajesh Kumari Vyaw, and Robert Vadra. This serves as a show of good faith to the electorate, indicating the government's commitment to upholding justice. Futuristic approaches, such as utilizing the latest legal and technological advancements, can also be considered to streamline the procedures and ensure timely outcomes.

A Philosophy of Consistency and Continuity

Ironically, the tact of undertaking a step back before moving ahead could be crucial for the BJP. This means addressing the immediate challenges and concerns of the people before moving towards a historic victory in 2019. By demonstrating a strong commitment to accountability, combating corruption, and addressing the socio-economic challenges, the BJP can position itself as a capable and reliable party.

Ultimately, the success of the BJP in the upcoming 2019 elections will be determined by its ability to tackle the current challenges and strategically maneuver towards a stronger and more unified coalition. The party must also be prepared to face disappointments like the bypoll results in certain regions, but view them as stepping stones to greater success.