BJP’s remarkable comeback in Chhattisgarh: Modi’s magic and strategic changes revealed

New Delhi: In a surprise political turnaround, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) created history by winning 54 seats in Chhattisgarh despite battling a leadership vacuum for more than four years. The state, which once appeared elusive for the BJP, saw a strategic resurgence with a focus on welfare, anti-corruption and the forceful presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It was a masterstroke by the BJP to announce candidates for 21 perceived weak seats three months before the official elections, a strategic move in which experienced leaders, including four Members of Parliament, were strategically deployed to strengthen the campaign. Even in the absence of a clear state leader, the party rallied around Modi as its face, taking advantage of his widespread popularity.

A major factor in the BJP’s victory was its good handling of local issues and its continued emphasis on alleged corruption of the Congress. This strategy appealed to voters, who took advantage of the discontent against Congress MLAs and their decision to remove 22 sitting MLAs. In contrast, the Congress, which was initially banking on the personality of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, seemed to be moving towards a vague “collective leadership” narrative as the elections approached.

A key moment came on 3 November when the BJP unveiled its manifesto, a significant departure from the past. Recognizing the lessons from its 2018 defeat, the BJP, which faced several promises from the Congress, termed the welfare schemes as “Modi’s guarantee”. This strategic shift, which included a promise to purchase paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal and provide ₹12,000 to every woman in the state, resonated strongly with voters.

Chhattisgarh-based political commentator Harsh Dubey highlighted the BJP’s effective messaging and said, “The Congress, on the other hand, had nothing to offer except welfare schemes.” Thus, the BJP’s victory emerges as a testament to Modi’s charismatic influence, a well-executed campaign strategy and a bold departure from traditional political approaches.