Prime Minister Narendra Modi's graph as the most popular leader of the world is rising and leaders across the globe listen to his innovative ideas attentively. They also appreciate India's growth story and are keen to do business with New Delhi. But those handling BJP's election strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls are a worried lot as elections are not won in the name of “Vikas” (development). In 2014, Modi won on anti-corruption plank and in 2019, Balakot air strikes played a decisive role following the Pulwama tragedy killing 40 CRPF jawans. In both these parliamentary polls, the Opposition was fragmented barring a few states. But 2024 is different. Irrespective of squabbles over which party will contest how many seats, major players have taken a decision in principle to contest Lok Sabha polls unitedly. A shape will emerge only after Assembly polls in five states in November-December this year. The BJP is also worried over the massive fall in BSP-led Mayawati's Dalit vote bank in UP and other states. The Congress' collapse began with the rise of Kanshi Ram and Mayawati in the 90s as Dalits voted for BSP en-block. The Muslims voted for regional parties not only in states but in Lok Sabha polls as well. The Congress was left high and dry as upper castes including Brahmins voted for the BJP. But 2024 seems different as many internal surveys conducted by the BJP showed that the Dalits are looking up to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as a potential Prime Ministerial candidate. With the Gandhis opting out of the Prime Ministerial race in 2024, Kharge may bring value on the table. After two failed Dalit leaders to lead the country (Babu Jagjivan Ram in 1977-79 and Mayawati in the 90s), this may be another chance for a Dalit leader in Kharge to don the mantle. It may be a long shot as Modi looks to be firm in the saddle. But Dalits may back the Congress in many key states including in UP, Bihar etc. Kharge made the difference in Congress's historic win in Karnataka as Dalits voted for the party in large numbers.
No cool breeze for Modi Ministers
Nearly half a dozen Union Ministers wanted to go abroad by clubbing official engagements with vacation to meet close relatives and friends. Some of the ministers were officially invited to Western Capitals to address seminars and interactions with the Indian diaspora as well by various organisations. Some of the ministers had been visiting London or Europe during the summer season. But they were dismayed and forced to cool their heels in India only. When their proposals reached the Ministry of External Affairs, it sent the same to the PMO for a decision. The PMO's clearance is a must for any minister to travel abroad. They were politely told to stay put in India as they have to be part of month-long celebrations of 9 years of the Modi government and other important domestic business. No one is sure if a couple of them may have to pay the price as and when Cabinet reshuffle takes place. Some of them are upset as they haven't been able to meet their close family members for a long time due to one reason or the other.
The Renaming Game
Even as the controversy with regard to the renaming of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) in the national Capital as the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library (PMML) has not subsided, its cascading effect is being witnessed in states. The name of Nehru is being erased wherever possible is seen in states with Madhya Pradesh taking the lead. The Congress alleged that Nehru Park in Madhya Pradesh’s Budhni, was renamed after Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's elder son, Kartikeya Chouhan. Budhni is the Assembly constituency of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. As if this was not enough, another park in Budhni was named after Kunal, younger son of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The BJP leaders defended it saying it was the wish of the local people and no motives be attributed.
BJP's Twin Problems
The BJP is facing an uphill task in joining hands with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh and Akali Dal (Badal) in Punjab. The BJP needs the support of YSR Congress in Rajya Sabha to ensure smooth passage of the Ordinance relating to Delhi Government. The BJP will also need its support to ensure the passage of the Uniform Civil Code Bill (UCC) if introduced in Parliament as well. If the BJP joins hands with the TDP headed by N Chandrababu Naidu, the YSR Congress will not support the BJP. Similarly, the BJP is in a serious dilemma whether to bring the Akali Dal (Badal) back into the NDA or not. The state BJP leadership is strongly against any tie-up with the Badals. The opponents also include prominent BJP leaders, Mps and Ministers as well. They say its a lifetime chance for the BJP to revive it in a big way on its own rather than basking in the glory of Badals. PM Modi is yet to take a final decision on these issues.
