Factors that helped BJP defy anti-incumbency in Haryana
What's the story
After briefly trailing in the morning, trends reversed to place the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on top in the Haryana elections. This will be the third consecutive win for the party. The victory comes despite strong anti-incumbency sentiments and other challenges. The party's success can be credited to several strategic moves and initiatives, including a change of leadership, backing from backward classes, Brand Modi's appeal, clean governance promises, and lessons learned from Lok Sabha election results, as per Hindustan Times.
Strategic shift
Leadership change and strategic alliances
The BJP's decision to replace Manohar Lal Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini as the chief minister a year before the election proved to be a game-changer. The move was made in the wake of issues like voter fatigue, disillusioned youth, and disgruntled farmers. Saini is the first leader from other backward classes (OBC) to become Haryana's chief minister, a position he assumed just one year ahead of these elections.
Key factors
Backward class support and Modi's enduring appeal
The BJP also received a lot of support from backward classes. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced an increase in the creamy layer ceiling for OBCs to ₹8 lakh from ₹6 lakh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity also contributed to the party's success. His promises to voters and focus on corruption-free governance by the BJP-led government in Haryana were well-received.
Governance and lessons
Clean governance promises and Lok Sabha lessons
The Saini-led government's commitment to clean governance and course correction also helped the BJP. Contentious decisions of former CM Khattar were reversed or tweaked, indicating a change in government policy. Further, the party took note of its performance in the Lok Sabha elections, where it won five out of 10 seats but saw a reduced lead in assembly segments as compared to 2019.