BJP’s victory : A testament to development and unity

Dr Wahengbam Rorrkychand Singh
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) triumph in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) marks a historic milestone, reaffirming the party’s role as a bearer of hope for millions across India. These victories underscore BJP’s ability to deliver on its promises, setting it apart from rival parties like the Indian National Congress (INC), whose outdated strategies have increasingly fallen flat.
Haryana: A Record-Breaking Win
Historically, Haryana politics was dominated by Congress and regional parties. However, the BJP disrupted this dominance, first in 2014, when it captured 47 seats with a 33% vote share, outpacing both Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). In recent elections, the BJP expanded its vote share to approximately 36%, while Congress declined to around 28%, reflecting a shift towards development-oriented politics.
BJP’s success in Haryana is credited to its focus on development, effective micro-management, and its appeal to both Jat and non-Jat communities. Welfare schemes tailored for rural areas resonated well with voters. In contrast, Congress, plagued by internal discord and a reliance on outdated vote-bank politics, failed to adapt to changing voter expectations, leading to its downfall.
Jammu & Kashmir: A Resurgent BJP
BJP’s performance in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370, highlights its commitment to a united India. In the 2014 J&K elections, BJP secured 25 seats with a 23% vote share, largely dominating the Jammu region. The bold move to remove Article 370 further strengthened its appeal, as it fulfilled a long-standing demand for full integration of J&K into India.
In contrast, Congress's electoral campaigns in both States faltered, primarily due to its failure to resonate with the electorate's aspirations. The party’s strong opposition to the abrogation of Article 370 and promises to find a way to revoke it reflect a disconnect with the National mood. Rahul Gandhi’s rhetoric around the Article aimed to rally support but ultimately seemed out of touch with voters' concerns for security and stability.
This stance allowed BJP to frame Congress as aligned with divisive forces often referred to as the “Tukde Tukde Gang,” undermining India’s unity for personal gain and vote-bank politics.
Congress in Decline : Congress’ decline in Haryana and J&K exemplifies its National downward trajectory. Despite aggressive campaigning by Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the party struggled to connect with the electorate. The leadership’s divisive rhetoric, including promises to bring back Article 370, alienated voters who prioritized stability and national integrity over polarizing politics.
Moreover, Mallikarjun Kharge’s controversial statement during an October 2023 rally—that “if Congress comes to power, terrorism will increase in Kashmir”—highlights the party’s struggles in presenting a cohesive narrative. While BJP emphasized development and national unity, Congress’s campaign was marred by inflammatory speeches and outdated tactics.
Sonia Gandhi’s speeches often veered into hate speech, further eroding the party's credibility. This failure to adapt to contemporary political dynamics has left Congress struggling to remain relevant in an India that increasingly prioritizes progress and unity over divisiveness.
Why BJP succeeded : BJP’s success in both Haryana and J&K can be attributed to several key factors
Organizational Skills : BJP’s well-structured grassroots organization and efficient booth-level management allowed it to reach voters more effectively than Congress. Its ability to mobilize local leaders and adapt strategies for diverse regions ensured it maintained a strong voter base.
Pro-Development Agenda : BJP’s focus on development, infrastructure projects, and welfare schemes that benefit marginalized communities resonated with voters. The party’s ability to deliver on its manifesto promises built trust among the electorate.
Avoidance of Hate Speech : While Congress engaged in divisive rhetoric, BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, refrained from hate speech, focusing instead on unity and National progress. Modi’s minimal involvement in the campaign, compared to Congress leaders’ inflammatory statements, helped BJP maintain its image as a party above petty political conflicts.
Commitment to National Unity : BJP’s ideological foundation, built on the vision of a united India, sets it apart from Congress. BJP’s founder, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, led the charge against a separate Constitution for Kashmir, ultimately sacrificing his life for the cause of "one Nation, one Constitution."
This legacy resonates with voters who value National integrity.
A Vision for a Vikshit Bharat
BJP’s vision for a Vikshit Bharat (Developed India) stands in stark contrast to Congress’ reliance on vote-bank politics. In today’s India, the politics of division and appeasement has lost relevance. Voters seek governance that focuses on inclusive growth and national unity, qualities that BJP embodies.
As Congress continues to grapple with leadership crises and a shrinking support base, the question arises whether the party can reinvent itself or if it will continue to drift into irrelevance under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership.
BJP’s disciplined approach, focus on development, and commitment to a united Bharat have earned it the trust of millions, ensuring its success not only in Haryana and J&K but across India.
Given the current political climate, BJP’s organizational prowess and focus on development suggest that its flag will continue to soar high in other states as well.
The lessons from Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir may serve as a blueprint for future campaigns, as BJP remains committed to upholding the aspirations of millions across the Nation.