BJP Wins Three of Four State Polls Months

The recent concluded Assembly elections in four states have significantly altered the political landscape in India, with the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) emerging victorious in Madhya Pradesh and successfully overturning Congress-led governments in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. As the dust settles on these elections, a comprehensive analysis reveals shifts, in political dynamics and strategies employed by various parties.

Chhattisgarh: BJP’s Record Breaking Triumph

The BJP secured a historic win in Chhattisgarh, clinching 54 seats with a substantial vote share of 3%, while the Congress was reduced to 35 seats and a 42.2% vote share.
Key factors contributing to the BJP’s success included a strategic focus on welfare politics, soft-Hindutva and regional trade. The introduction of new candidates in nearly half of the constituencies also played a pivotal role.
The Congress, despite its efforts, faced challenges such as corruption charges and a lackluster approach, ultimately leading to a significant decrease in its seat count compared to 2018.

Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections 2023

Shivraj Singh Chauhan’s leadership proved instrumental as the BJP secured a landslide victory in Madhya Pradesh, jumping from 109 seats in 2018 to an impressive 164 seats in 2023, with a 6% vote share.
The BJP successfully navigated anti-incumbency sentiments and internal factionalism, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah playing a crucial role in reshaping the program.
Schemes like Ladli Behna Yojana targeted at women, coupled with Chauhan’s comeback, contributed to the party’s triumph.

Rajasthan: BJP Continues Three-Decade Trend

Rajasthan witnessed a continuation of its three-decade-long trend of rejecting the incumbent government, as the Congress managed only 69 seats and a 39.5% vote share.
The BJP, with 115 seats and a 41.7% vote share, capitalized on issues related to what it termed “appeasement politics” by the Congress government.
Differences between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot were exploited by the BJP, contributing to its success in the state.

Telangana: Congress’ Consolation Prizes

Despite a disappointing start on counting day, the Congress secured a notable victory in Telangana, winning 64 seats with a 39.4% vote share, marking a considerable improvement from 2018.
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao fell short of securing a hat-trick of wins, obtaining 39 seats and a 37.4% vote share.
The Congress, led by A Revanth Reddy, successfully tapped into the desire for change and countered the BRS’s welfare schemes with enhanced proposals, particularly in rural areas.