Why does BJP keep on winning elections?

The Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party won full majority in Haryana state assembly and performed far better than INC in J&K.

Welfare schemes and their publicity:

Initially perceived as a pro-business and pro-urban party, the BJP has effectively broadened its appeal. It has initiated a variety of welfare schemes to enhance its reputation as a pro-poor party.

·       Numerous initiatives, such as cash transfers, complimentary rations, and subsidized gas cylinders introduced by the central government under Modi's leadership, have garnered popularity among voters in the face of high unemployment, a struggling agricultural sector, and escalating inequality.

·       During his campaign, Modi highlighted his administration's efforts to assist the impoverished. The government asserts that it provides free rations to over 800 million individuals, underscoring the uneven economic development in the world's most populous democracy.

·       The BJP rose to prominence in the national political arena in the early 1990s, propelled by a campaign to erect a temple dedicated to the deity Ram on the site of the medieval-era Babri mosque, which was razed by Hindu factions associated with the party in 1992. In 2019, India's supreme court sanctioned the construction of the temple in Ayodhya, situated in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

·       In the state of Madhya Pradesh, where the BJP's triumph was significant, a cash transfer program aimed at women appears to have swayed female voters towards the party, in spite of a high incidence of crimes against women.

Electoral funding and scale of campaigning:

The BJP has managed to spread its campaign extensively due to substantial electoral funding. Pro-democracy activists have criticized the electoral bonds, a legal funding mechanism that keeps donors' identities private. From 2017 to 2022, half of all political funding was through electoral bonds, with the BJP receiving over 57 percent of its funding from this source, yet the details of these contributions remain undisclosed. The Congress party, having secured only 10 percent of the total political funding, has raised concerns about the equity of the electoral bond system, noting that the BJP has garnered three times more funds from electoral bonds than all other parties combined.

Lack of opposition unity:

The Congress party's defeat has been partly ascribed to internal divisions and its inability to form alliances with similar secular parties. The leadership of Congress is facing criticism for arrogance and a disconnect from the actual situation.

·       Experts believe that for the Congress party to improve its electoral prospects, it must overhaul its leadership and promote younger members. Over the last decade, the BJP has relegated the party to the fringes of Indian politics.

·       Rahul Gandhi, along with his sister Priyanka Gandhi and their mother Sonia Gandhi, continue to be the prominent figures of the party. The incumbent president, Mallikarjun Kharge, who is a Dalit, has operated in the backdrop of the Gandhi family, which has produced three prime ministers.

Disciplined and diplomatic members of the party:

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India has a long-standing tradition of disciplined and diplomatic leadership. Over the years, several leaders within the BJP have gained a reputation for their calm, composed, and diplomatic approach to politics while maintaining a strict adherence to the party’s values

1. Atal Bihari Vajpayee

   • Diplomacy and Statesmanship: Former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is widely recognized for his diplomatic approach and inclusive style of governance. Known for his ability to bridge divides, Vajpayee was respected across party lines for his moderate and balanced stance on key issues. His efforts in diplomacy, especially with Pakistan, as seen in the Lahore Declaration and the Kargil War, highlighted his commitment to peace.

2. Narendra Modi

   • Disciplined Governance: The current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is known for his disciplined work ethic and leadership style. He emphasizes the importance of order and professionalism in governance, with his government pushing for efficiency through initiatives like Digital India and the abolition of outdated practices.

   • Diplomatic Presence: Modi has strengthened India's international standing through active diplomacy. His global outreach, visible in efforts like the International Yoga Day initiative, and balancing relations with major powers like the U.S., China, and Russia, showcases his diplomatic finesse.

3. Rajnath Singh

   • Diplomatic Persona: Currently serving as India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh is known for his soft-spoken, diplomatic approach. Whether handling defense matters or his tenure as Home Minister, he has been cautious and diplomatic in managing complex internal and external security situations.

   • Discipline in Leadership: Rajnath Singh is considered one of the most disciplined leaders in the party, balancing traditional BJP values with modern governance needs.

4. Nitin Gadkari

   • Disciplined Administrator: As the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari is known for his disciplined approach to infrastructure development. He has been instrumental in pushing forward large-scale projects with a focus on timelines and accountability.

   • Diplomatic Politician: Gadkari is recognized for being approachable and diplomatic in dealing with colleagues and opposition leaders alike, enabling smooth collaboration in government projects.

5. Dr S Jaishankar

   • Before entering politics, Dr. Jaishankar served as a career diplomat for over 40 years, holding key ambassadorial positions, including in the U.S., China, and Singapore. His disciplined approach to diplomacy and bureaucratic work is well known, emphasizing preparation, clarity, and consistency in his negotiations.

   • India's current External Affairs Minister, is known for his disciplined and highly diplomatic approach, playing a key role in shaping India’s foreign policy under the BJP government. He brings decades of experience as a career diplomat to his political role, making him one of the most significant members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet.

6. Aswini Vaishnav

   • a key member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), currently serves as the Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology in the Government of India. He is known for his disciplined administrative approach and pragmatic problem-solving skills, which have earned him significant recognition within the Modi administration.

   • Vaishnaw is a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Odisha cadre, bringing with him extensive bureaucratic experience, which allows him to understand and navigate the complexities of governance and public administration.