The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a commanding victory in Maharashtra and a surprise win in Haryana, signaling a significant tactical shift in its electoral strategy. Moving away from the singular focus on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the party emphasized local leadership, grassroots campaigning, and targeted welfare initiatives, particularly for women, to rebuild its momentum after setbacks in recent Lok Sabha elections.
In Maharashtra, the BJP leaned heavily on the organisational strength of the RSS. The RSS mobilized its extensive grassroots network, bridging gaps that had surfaced during the Lok Sabha polls. This collaboration was instrumental in countering anti-Maratha sentiment and assembling a diverse coalition of communities. The BJP’s focus on regional issues and promises of stability helped it secure widespread support despite earlier political turbulence in the state.
In Haryana, where the BJP’s victory defied expectations, the party adopted a similar approach, highlighting local governance and welfare policies. Strategic candidate selection and a recalibrated campaign message resonated with voters, ensuring a narrow but impactful win in a state that had been challenging for the party.
In Jharkhand, the BJP implemented its revised strategy, including an aggressive outreach to tribal communities, traditionally a stronghold of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). However, the JMM managed to retain its influence among tribal voters, preventing a complete BJP sweep. While the BJP made inroads, it could not replicate its Maharashtra success in the state.
The BJP’s victories underscore the effectiveness of decentralizing its campaign approach, empowering state-level leaders, and addressing region-specific concerns. The emphasis on welfare schemes for women and other marginalized groups, coupled with strategic RSS involvement, proved to be a winning formula in Maharashtra and Haryana.
