The BJP is a Hindutva party and, technically, should enjoy support from the majority population, as most Indians are Hindus.
However, the nation has supported the BJP not just on religious grounds, but also because of its strong governance, its handling of India’s image internationally, and above all, the clean image of Narendra Modi, who has never been associated with corruption.
The respect for the BJP is largely due to Modi’s image of simplicity and the fact that his brothers or family members have never been seen holding power, amassing wealth or running businesses.
But that alone is not enough. The public also observes the integrity and credibility of other leaders in the party.
The old video of newly elected West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari allegedly taking bribes during his time in the TMC, along with Narendra Modi’s earlier public criticism of him, is now making the rounds online.
It clearly gives the impression that after the corruption video surfaced and Suvendu left the TMC to join the BJP, things turned in his favour, eventually helping him become the Chief Minister of the state.
Not only that, the BJP’s compromising style of politics is also coming under question now.
Nitish Kumar’s son, who reportedly has health issues and is not widely seen as deserving, was given a ministry out of political compulsion. Such things were generally rare until a few years ago.
Apart from this, just as Indira Gandhi troubled MGR when he emerged as a powerful chief ministerial candidate, there is now an open discussion that even the BJP power centre tried to prevent Vijay from securing the required majority until the last evening.
Adding to this, Narendra Modi’s recent gesture of kneeling and bending to thank the people of West Bengal for electing a BJP government, and his public act of touching the feet of an elderly karyakarta, are being discussed by some as overacting rather than genuine emotional expressions.
The BJP’s first major milestone was achieved when Article 370 was revoked. It was historic.
The second major milestone was the opening of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, another significant achievement.
The third was hoisting the saffron flag in West Bengal after 726 years.
Now, the BJP needs a new major goal. Otherwise, the importance of the party may gradually fade, and every mistake will start appearing under a magnifying lens.
Therefore, the BJP’s next big goal is extremely important for its survival. Otherwise, even its supporters may quickly lose interest.
Written By Kiran Sharma
