The 2018 Rajasthan Election: Why BJPs Campaign Failed

Why did Rajasthan reject the BJP in the 2018 election?

Introduction

In the ever-evolving political landscape of India, the January 2018 elections in Rajasthan marked a significant moment. Despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) being a formidable force at the national level, it faced a considerable setback in the state. This article explores the reasons behind the BJP's failure in Rajasthan and provides insights into the dynamics of regional politics.

The Role of National Figures

The BJP's campaign in Rajasthan was heavily tied to the national figure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While national leaders hold considerable sway, they also carry the burden of accountability. Herein lies the challenge faced by the BJP. People of Rajasthan were not immune to the national allure but also had specific regional aspirations. According to a comment made in the article, “Modi tujhse bair nhi, Congress projected him as a possible Chief minister. People were excited that the Young Turk will do something.” This excitement quickly faded when Congress positioned its own candidate as the more viable alternative, blurring the lines between national and regional politics.

The 2004 Elections and Modiji's Popularity

When discussing the 2018 election, it's important to draw parallels with past elections. Notably, the 2004 General Election saw a high turnout in Rajasthan as voters opted for Atal Bihari Vajpayee because of his successful tenure. Vital projects like the Highways and Grameen Schemes were highly appreciated. Similarly, people of Rajasthan hold Prime Minister Narendra Modi in high regard, a result of his national achievements and leadership. However, in 2018, contention arose over the Chief Minister's performance. Vasundhara Raje, the BJP's Chief Minister, was seen as lacking in leadership, partly due to her age and inexperience compared to the popular state politician, Sachin Pilot.

The Impact of GST and Demonetization

A major factor in the BJP's failure was its handling of economic policy. Measures like GST and demonetization, intended to address and reform the fiscal system, had significant impacts on the common man's life. These policies, while lauded at the national level, became a major point of contention in the state. The BJP's campaign “People dont want this man to become Chief minister,” not only referred to Ashok Gehlot but also to the waning public trust in the central government's handling of economic issues. The BJP's inability to demonstrate tangible improvements for the state's poor farmers and salaried individuals, coupled with the impact of these macroeconomic policies, significantly impacted voter sentiment.

Regional Sentiments and Political Strategies

The failure of the BJP also highlighted the importance of regional sentiment and political strategies. The article notes an “Arrogance, self-righteousness, and loss of touch with reality.” This arrogance is a common trait among ruling parties, but it often backfires. The BJP's inability to address the concerns of the populace led to a considerable loss of support. Furthermore, the article makes the point that “No political party learns any lesson. At least not Indian politicians. BJP will not admit any defeat, it will bring some face-saving arguments to deceive itself.” This persists even after such defeats, showing the cyclical nature of political internalization and denial.

Strategic Implications and Future Predictions

The BJP's failure in Rajasthan also provides strategic implications for future elections. Amit Shah, the BJP strategist, is likely to take a reinvigorated approach. The coming election, as predicted, will see the BJP losing seats to the Congress. The role of regional parties will become more critical, as the BJP might rely more on “sama daana bhedha and danda.” These are traditional methods in Indian politics where diplomatic, monetary, and coercive means are employed to secure votes.

In conclusion, the 2018 Rajasthan elections signify a shift in the political climate in India. The BJP's failure reveals the complex interplay of national and regional politics, the impact of economic policies on electoral outcomes, and the strategic challenges faced by political parties in maintaining their grip on power.