- BJP faces significant losses in key states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.
- The party struggles to maintain its 2019 momentum, falling short of the 300-seat mark in 2024.
- Coalition dynamics and regional factors play crucial roles in the shifting political landscape.
What Happened to BJP’s Stronghold?
As the 2024 Lok Sabha election results unfold, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are struggling to reach the majority mark of 272 seats on their own. This is a stark contrast to 2014 when BJP secured a historic victory, breaking away from decades of coalition politics with a clear majority.
Here’s a look at the five states where BJP’s performance has notably declined compared to the 2019 elections:
Uttar Pradesh: A Major Setback
In Uttar Pradesh, BJP experienced a significant downturn. The party, which secured 62 out of 80 seats in 2019, has been reduced to 36 seats in 2024. The Samajwadi Party (SP) is also leading with 36 seats, while Congress leads in 6. The coalition of backward classes, Dalits, and minorities, termed PDA by SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, has paid off, delivering a severe blow to BJP in this crucial state.
West Bengal: Declining Influence
In West Bengal, BJP’s lead dropped from 18 seats in 2019 to 12 seats in 2024. Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) is leading with 29 seats, while Congress is ahead in one. BJP’s campaign focusing on TMC’s alleged corruption and appeasement politics did not resonate with voters as expected.
Maharashtra: Strategic Misfire
BJP’s efforts to create rifts within Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) did not yield the desired outcome in Maharashtra. The BJP won 23 seats in 2019 but is leading in only 11 seats in 2024. Meanwhile, Congress is leading in 12 seats, signaling a shift in voter preferences.
Karnataka: Coalition Challenge
In Karnataka, BJP’s alliance with Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) is leading in 18 out of 28 seats, with BJP itself leading in 16 and JDS in 2. However, this is a decline from the 25 seats BJP won in 2019. Congress is leading in 10 seats, indicating a competitive landscape.
Rajasthan: Loss of Ground
Rajasthan is another state where BJP faced a significant setback. The party is leading in 14 seats, down from the 24 seats it secured in 2019. Congress is leading in 8 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats, reflecting a resurgence in its political fortunes.
Conclusion
The 2024 election results highlight a challenging road ahead for BJP, as it loses ground in several key states. Factors like coalition dynamics, regional alliances, and voter sentiments have played crucial roles in shaping the outcomes. As the political landscape evolves, BJP will need to reassess its strategies to regain its foothold in these critical regions.
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