India News
Despite facing some setbacks in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has been on a winning streak in state assembly elections. While the party suffered a significant drop in MP seats in the general elections and couldn't secure a majority on its own, it managed to retain power at the Centre through the NDA alliance.
However, in key state assembly elections, the BJP has been delivering stunning victories. The party's performance in Maharashtra was particularly surprising. In the Lok Sabha elections, voters in Maharashtra seemed to have turned against the BJP, which should have translated into a poor performance in the assembly elections. But instead, it was the opposition parties that faced a crushing defeat, while the BJP secured a resounding victory. Within just six months of the Lok Sabha elections, the political landscape in the state had completely transformed in BJP’s favor.
Having control over Maharashtra, the state that houses India’s financial capital, Mumbai, is crucial for any ruling party at the Centre. The BJP achieved its goal and formed the government with an indisputable majority.
In another major victory, BJP finally dealt a blow to Arvind Kejriwal, who had long been a thorn in its side. Kejriwal had gained significant political traction, even challenging PM Modi in Varanasi in 2014 and securing a substantial vote share. Had AAP won in Delhi this time, it would have been seen as a direct and significant victory against BJP. However, the BJP successfully prevented such a setback by securing a comfortable majority in Delhi, allowing it to form the government without any embarrassment.
Next Big Goal: West Bengal!
Now, the BJP has set its sights on a major goal before the next Lok Sabha elections—expanding its influence in West Bengal. The state is set to go to the polls in about a year. Last time, the BJP came close to making a breakthrough, but despite some victories—such as defeating Mamata Banerjee in her own assembly seat—it failed to significantly dent the dominance of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). However, the BJP has established itself as the main opposition in the state.
With major victories in Maharashtra and Delhi, the BJP’s focus is now firmly on Bengal. Party leader Suvendu Adhikari has already declared Bengal as the next battleground. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee will have completed three consecutive terms in power by the next elections, which means the anti-incumbency factor could work against her.
As the countdown to the West Bengal assembly elections begins, all eyes are now on whether the BJP can finally break Mamata’s stronghold and turn Bengal saffron.
Advertisment
