The recent state elections in India have indeed been a spectacle of upsets and surprises. After losing its parliamentary majority for the first time in a decade, the Prime Minister’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Narendra Modi Apart from achieving its best historical performance in the Indian-administered territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana managed to set a record by winning its third consecutive term in the state. These results represent not only a significant victory for the BJP, but also a major setback for the opposition party, Congress.
The announcement of election results in both these regions marks a turning point for the Indian political scenario. The Congress-led opposition hoped to capitalize on the moment of instability by the BJP, which lost its parliamentary majority in June 2024 and began relying on its allies to form the government. However, despite predictions of victory based on exit polls, the Congress was unable to convert such expectations into electoral success, especially in Haryana.
The political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir also posed challenges for the Congress. These were the first legislative elections since New Delhi revoked the region’s autonomy in August 2019. The Congress is now part of the new alliance led by its regional ally National Conference (NC), which has overtaken the BJP in winning the most seats. This development is seen as a rejection of the BJP’s policy in the region demonstrated by the NC leadership.
Impact of internal disputes in Congress on Modi’s party
It appears that Congress’s troubles in Haryana lie in internal conspiracies. As the BJP increased its dominance, the Congress had to grapple with differences between its central and state leadership, particularly the influence of the Hooda family, which marginalized other voices within the party. Such disagreements may cause Congress to miss an important opportunity at a time when unity was necessary.
Looking ahead, both Congress and Modi’s party are facing a lot of challenges. For the BJP, the success in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir acts as a relief ahead of the upcoming elections in key states like Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar and Jharkhand. For the Congress, it is important not only to heal its internal divisions but also to revamp its strategies to win back the hearts of Indian voters.
The recent victories have boosted the BJP’s confidence and given it a strong position in the national political arena. As far as next steps are concerned, the party wants to strengthen its presence in states where it still faces significant challenges. Moreover, the BJP needs to ensure that its message resonates not only in areas with traditional support but also in areas where it faces resistance, especially in view of the political transition in Jammu and Kashmir.
These elections underline the complexity and instability of Indian politics. Modi’s party has gained new strength, while the Congress faces a battle to revive its political machine. With crucial state elections approaching, India’s political story is constantly evolving, requiring careful attention from parties and political analysts.
