LATE IN THE EVENING OF OCTOBER 8, even as the euphoria over the surprise victory in Haryana was still sinking in, Prime Minister Narendra Modi followed a tradition he has set in place after every important election win-appearing at the BJP headquarters in the national capital to address jubilant party workers. After the party agonisingly fell short of the majority mark in the Lok Sabha election in June, the mood had turned sombre and introspective. But now, with the miraculous 'hattrick of assembly wins' in Haryana and the creditable performance in Jammu and Kashmir, the josh is back among BJP workers.
Needless to say, the poll outcomes have rejuvenated the party cadre everywhere. The news was especially heartwarming for them as Haryana was one of the states where the party's Lok Sabha tally had been halved, down from 10 in 2019 to five this year. The result also turned on its head the theory that the 'Modi effect' works better in a state in the national election than during the assembly poll. The template that the BJP followed in Haryana could be invaluable in the forthcoming assembly elections as well. Maharashtra is next in line and, as in Haryana, the BJP had not found it to be a happy hunting ground in May. The party and its allies won just 17 of the state's 48 parliamentary seats with an antagonistic Maratha community, factionalism and mounting anger against deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis all working against the ruling Mahayuti alliance. It had fared relatively better in Jharkhand, with the NDA winning nine of the state's 14 LS seats, but here again the BJP will have to work hard to regain the affections of the angry tribal communities while also reining in the massive factionalism.
This story is from the October 21, 2024 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 21, 2024 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A YEAR OF WONDER
Globetrotting to some of the more interesting travel options that spiced the calendar year
THE TASTE TEST - Some of the more interesting restaurants launched in Asia in 2024
In the dynamic culinary landscape of Asia, Spice embarks on a gastronomic journey through a kaleidoscope of noteworthy dining spots that shone through in 2024. From cosy havens celebrating rich cultural heritage using quality local ingredients to chic spaces blending global influences with a playful vibe, each venue offers something special, whether by the beach or beneath starry skies.
TECH TALK
From a Mac that became mini to gizmoheavy watches, from smart air purifiers to intelligent TVs, these top picks defined 2024.
BOOKS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2025
Book review
PEACE ABOVE ALL
Devdutt Pattanaik offers an alternative view of the Harappan civilisation in his newest book, Ahimsa: 100 Reflections on the Harappan Civilization
A Wealth of SCHOLARSHIP
For art historian Aman Nath, 2024 was a great year for art books, demonstrating the range of India's cultural wealth
ECONOMICS BOOKS 2024
Book review
COLOUR OF SUCCESS
Apple iMac 2024 is a desktop that's as vibrant as a disco ball and twice as clever.
A ROADMAP FOR A HEALTHIER NATION
THE SCALE OF OUR HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES IS IMMENSE. FOR A 'SWASTHA, VIKSIT BHARAT', INDIA MUST STRIVE TOWARDS A CREATIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY, PREDICTIVE PRECISION MEDICINE, BIG DATA AND PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
THE GOLDEN AGE FOR INDIAN STORYTELLING
AS THE INDIAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY EVOLVES, TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS, GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AND HYPER-LOCAL CONTENT ARE CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND CONNECTING DIVERSE NARRATIVES TO AUDIENCES WORLDWIDE