ছবি: Photo: Collected
The results of the legislative assembly elections in two Indian states are now clear. While the BJP-led alliance in Maharashtra scored a massive victory, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress alliance returned to power in Jharkhand.
In Maharashtra, the BJP-led coalition won 236 out of 288 seats, while the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), NCP, and Congress alliance managed only 48 seats. In the previous May Lok Sabha elections, the opposition alliance "Maha Vikas Aghadi" had won 30 out of the 48 seats in Maharashtra, but the scenario has drastically changed in just five months.
Despite early predictions that the BJP and its "Mahayuti" alliance would face significant setbacks in the state assembly elections, the results were a surprise. The BJP emerged as the largest party in the state, and discussions have already started about the possibility of a BJP Chief Minister.
So, what changed in these five months?
Experts suggest that the BJP-led alliance learned from its mistakes during the Lok Sabha elections and focused on attracting OBC and other backward class voters. The government also addressed farmer grievances, especially regarding onion export bans in North Maharashtra, by announcing clear policies.
A key factor contributing to the BJP's success was the introduction of the "Ladli Bahini Yojana," a scheme that provided ₹1,500 monthly to women from families earning less than ₹2.5 lakh annually. This initiative, considered a "game-changer," provided economic independence to women, significantly boosting support for the BJP-led coalition.
While the BJP united voters across different communities, the opposition "Maha Vikas Aghadi" failed to capitalize on this. In response to the Ladli Bahini Yojana, the opposition promised ₹3,000 in their manifesto, but their disunity and lack of a coherent strategy led to their downfall.
The BJP also employed effective slogans like "Bantenge Toh Katenge" and "Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai," which united Hindu voters, helping the party consolidate support across Hindu, Buddhist, Dalit, and even Muslim communities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity and his policies also played a crucial role in securing this resounding victory for the BJP.
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