Pune: The electoral results highlighted several key points. The narrative that the BJP and its electoral machinery are among the finest is now outdated. The focus has shifted to how the opposition, particularly the Congress, struggles with election strategies despite an initial advantage. The Bihar elections illustrate the importance of micro-management and coordination, areas where the BJP outperformed the opposition. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticized vote manipulation, yet his party was unable to effectively translate this concern into action. In the 21st century, elections are won through strategy that incorporates people and resources. The effective use of technology is more crucial than merely fostering ideological or economic discussions.
From the outset, the NDA machinery, especially that of the BJP, was operational on the ground. Senior leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and numerous ministers, were actively engaged. Voter lists, booth-level workers, and a robust narrative management apparatus were all in place. This resource-rich campaign allowed the NDA to improve its standing and overcome traditional anti-incumbency sentiments. Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how the new NDA will operate. Will Nitish Kumar continue to lead, or will the revitalized BJP seek a more prominent role? This victory further underscores that effective machinery and narrative construction are as vital as addressing issues and ideologies.
Modern elections have a different dynamic; those who recognize this reality are more likely to succeed. Bihar’s results were largely anticipated given the opposition’s post-election discord. What should have been a straightforward contest became complicated due to various internal divisions. Tejaswi Yadav, Lalu Yadav’s successor, failed to reconcile these differences. While Gandhi made the right statements, his party struggled to maintain momentum. Many observers believed the party did not adequately rebuild the necessary infrastructure for electoral success. Leaders have not grasped the critical role of grassroots workers in this process. The era of relying solely on personal charisma for election victories has passed. Winning elections now demands a well-prepared and knowledgeable base of supporters.
If issues are not effectively communicated on the ground, they will fail to resonate. Many felt that the Leader of Opposition would have been more effective if he had spent a longer time in Bihar rather than making brief visits.