This article analyzes the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) electoral supremacy in India under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. The BJP's strategy is described as two-pronged: dismantling caste-based regional alliances and building strong grassroots connections.
In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP consolidated its power by attracting non-Yadav OBCs and non-Jatav Dalits, marginalizing the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). In Bihar, strategic alliances and local caste adjustments led to victories, breaking the Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) hold.
The BJP's significant growth in West Bengal (from 17% to over 40% vote share between 2014 and 2019) showcases its ability to penetrate strongholds of regional parties. A similar pattern is seen in Odisha, where welfare schemes and infrastructure investments played a role in securing victories.
While facing greater resistance, the BJP has made strides in the South. Karnataka remains a stronghold, while gains in Telangana utilize anti-incumbency sentiments and welfare promises. In Tamil Nadu, the BJP focuses on Tamil pride and heritage and formed alliances to build its presence.
The BJP's partnership with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is highlighted as crucial to its success in the West. In Maharashtra, the RSS facilitated numerous meetings before recent elections, contributing to victories in areas such as Pune and Nagpur. The RSS also helped galvanize rural voters in Haryana.