New Delhi: After the spectacular victory in Maharashtra, the enthusiasm of BJP and PM Narendra Modi is high. In his address after the victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, ‘Maharashtra is the sixth state in the country which has given mandate to BJP for three consecutive times. Before this, we have won thrice in a row in Goa, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. In Bihar also, NDA has got mandate for more than three consecutive times. This is the public’s faith in our model of good governance. During this, PM Modi fiercely targeted Congress regarding the Waqf Board. PM Modi has accused Congress of using the Waqf Board for vote bank politics. He said that Congress made laws for appeasement and did not even care about the order of the Supreme Court. PM Modi said that Congress had handed over many properties of Delhi and surrounding areas to the Waqf Board before leaving the government in 2014.
Congress made laws for appeasement. He did not even care about the order of the Supreme Court. An example of this is Waqf Board. People of Delhi will be surprised. The situation was such that before leaving the government in 2014, these people had handed over many properties in Delhi and surrounding areas to the Waqf Board. There is no place for Waqf law in the Constitution given to us by Babasaheb Ambedkar, but Congress did this to increase its vote bank.
PM Narendra Modi
‘INDI people are not able to understand the changed mood of the country’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, ‘Indians are not able to understand the changed mood of the country. These people not only do not want to accept the truth, they even today underestimate the discretion of the common voter of India. The voters of the country do not want instability. The voters of the country are with the feeling of ‘Nation First’. The voters of the country do not like those who dream of ‘chair first’.
‘Maharashtra said on sting injury – if there is one, then it is safe’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, ‘Congress and its ecosystem had thought that by lying in the name of the Constitution and in the name of reservation, they would divide SC, ST, OBC into small groups. Maharashtra has completely rejected this conspiracy of Congress and its allies. Maharashtra has said on sting injury – If there is one, then it is safe.
‘It is difficult for Congress to form government on its own’
Modi said, ‘Congress has become a parasite in Indian politics. It is now becoming increasingly difficult for the Congress Party to form the government on its own. In the recent elections like Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Haryana and today Maharashtra they have been defeated. The old divisive politics of Congress is failing but still the ego of Congress is on cloud nine.
How can Congress effectively counter the BJP’s narrative of governance and transparency in future elections?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Analyst Dr. Riya Verma
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Verma! Thank you for joining us today to talk about the recent developments in Maharashtra and the broader implications for Indian politics. The BJP has secured a significant victory there, marking its third consecutive win. What does this mean for the party and for Prime Minister Modi?
Dr. Riya Verma (RV): Thank you for having me! This victory is a remarkable moment for the BJP, indeed. It reinforces their narrative of being a consistently popular party, showcasing their ability to maintain voter loyalty in key states. For PM Modi, it’s a strong affirmation of his governance model, as he pointed out in his address following the election results.
TNE: Modi highlighted Maharashtra as the sixth state to vote for the BJP consecutively. What do you think contributes to this sustained electoral success?
RV: Several factors play a role here. First, the BJP has capitalized on a narrative of effective governance, economic development, and national security. They have also been able to connect culturally with a wide range of voters. The party’s ability to focus on local issues while delivering on national promises has endeared them to many.
TNE: In his speech, PM Modi targeted the Congress party, particularly on the issue of the Waqf Board and alleged vote bank politics. How significant are these accusations in the current political landscape?
RV: Modi’s attack on the Congress regarding the Waqf Board indicates a strategic move to underline the BJP’s position as a party that prioritizes national interests over communal appeasement. By alleging that the Congress used the Waqf Board for vote bank politics, he is framing their past actions as neglectful and self-serving. This rhetoric resonates well with his audience, especially among those who feel betrayed by traditional politics rooted in appeasement.
TNE: Do you think this line of attack will resonate with voters, particularly in states where the BJP is looking to expand its base?
RV: Absolutely. Many voters are increasingly concerned about issues of governance and transparency. By portraying Congress as a party that prioritizes certain communities for electoral gains, the BJP sharpens its narrative of being the party for all. This can be particularly appealing in states where they are striving for new votes or where the Congress has been historically strong.
TNE: You mentioned the issue of governance. How do you see this playing out in BJP’s policy-making and electoral strategy moving forward?
RV: The BJP will likely double down on showcasing their achievements in governance. Expect more initiatives that highlight development and welfare schemes aimed at a broad demographic. They might also amplify their criticism of the Congress regarding governance failures in states where the opposition holds power. It’s about framing the narrative for the next elections while keeping their voter base engaged and energized.
TNE: As someone deeply familiar with the political landscape, how do you view the future for Congress? Can they counter this narrative effectively?
RV: Congress faces a challenging road ahead. To counter the BJP, they need to present a cohesive narrative that connects with the electorate while also distancing themselves from the criticisms. Rebuilding trust and aligning their message with the realities of governance will be crucial. They must effectively communicate their shortcomings and present tangible solutions to regain the confidence of their voters. However, this takes time and strategic planning, something they’ve yet to convincingly implement.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Verma. This conversation sheds light on the dynamic interplay of political narratives in India today. It will be fascinating to see how these developments unfold in the lead-up to future elections.
RV: Thank you for having me! The evolving political scene in India is indeed intriguing, and I look forward to seeing how it all unfolds.