How BJP flipped the script in a year: From 2024's Lok Sabha wobble to highs of 2025

India Today

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Just a year ago, the BJP-led NDA began its third term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but unlike the previous two terms, this one began with reduced numbers, forcing it to depend on allies like the TDP and the JD(U). Some predicted that the government wouldn't last even a year. Many even claimed there would be mid-term elections in 2025. However, as Modi 3.0 marks its first anniversary, the BJP has turned early doubts into growing confidence by winning assembly elections in three states, pushing key Bills at will, and has managed to keep allies content without major hiccups.advertisementThe predictions have been proven wrong.That's because the BJP has turned the tide in a year. It has won three key assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana and Delhi. The BJP's top leadership also demonstrated strength by pushing crucial bills, like the one on Waqf, at will. It has kept allies firmly in check without any setbacks. The Opposition, despite being buoyed by a bigger strength in the Lok Sabha, has shown clear signs of divide on several matters.
While the cake for Modi 3.0's first anniversary seems to have been ready, Operation Sindoor has turned into a layer of icing that has helped firm up public sentiment in the Centre's favour.1. BJP'S COMEBACK TRAIL POST LOK SABHA SETBACKThe BJP's electoral successes after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi have been key in dispelling the narrative of a weakened party.advertisementIn Haryana, after securing only five of 10 Lok Sabha seats in June 2024, the BJP rebounded in October, clinching 48 seats in the 90-seat assembly, achieving an unprecedented third consecutive term in the state where the saffron party left the heat during farmers' protests.Later in Maharashtra, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance swept the November Assembly polls, winning 235 of 288 seats, with the BJP alone securing 132 seats at an 89% strike rate.Most symbolically, in February 2025, the BJP ended the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) decade-long run in Delhi. It won 48 of 70 seats, the BJP's first victory in the national capital since 1998.The BJP's victories in these assembly elections, following the setback in the Lok Sabha polls, reflected a consolidated endorsement of Modi's leadership, effectively offsetting the challenges faced in the 2024 general elections.2. LEGISLATIVE PUSH REFLECTS MODI 3.0'S RESOLVEThe PM Modi-led Centre's ability to push key legislation in the last year has also revealed its political strength and will.The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed in April after a marathon debate and deliberations with stakeholders, exemplifies this. Aimed at enhancing transparency in managing Waqf properties, the bill faced fierce opposition from Muslim organisations and the INDIA bloc, who labelled it "unconstitutional".advertisementYet, the BJP navigated the challenges, and secured 288 votes in the Lok Sabha and 128 in the Rajya Sabha.The Centre also advanced simultaneous election bills, signalling its commitment to long-term reforms, despite concerns flagged by the JD(U), a key NDA ally.After the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Centre also introduced several other bills, including the Railways (Amendment) Bill to modernise railway operations, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to strengthen financial regulations, and the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, to reform aviation laws.3. BJP'S MANAGEMENT HAS DEFIED FRAGILE COALITION CLAIMSUnlike predictions of a fragile coalition, the BJP has managed its NDA allies, particularly the TDP and JD(U), with finesse. While allies initially expressed concerns over the Waqf Bill, fearing backlash from Muslim voters, the government addressed these through dialogue and JPC scrutiny.The absence of major rebellions from allies like Nitish Kumar or Chandrababu Naidu, despite their regional voter bases, reflects the BJP's deft political manoeuvring.Both Naidu and Nitish have now repeatedly assured that they will not leave the NDA.After the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP faced coalition tensions when Eknath Shinde, leader of the Shiv Sena, briefly withdrew to his village amid speculation that Devendra Fadnavis would be named chief minister. Shinde was initially reluctant to accept a deputy role. However, the BJP diffused the friction by engaging in high-level talks with Shinde and Ajit Pawar in Delhi, securing Shinde's support by offering his party key ministerial portfolios, including Urban Development and Public Works.advertisement4. INDIA BLOC STRUGGLES TO SPEAK IN ONE VOICEOn the other hand, the Opposition, or the INDIA bloc, buoyed by 235 Lok Sabha seats in 2024, has failed to capitalise on its numbers. Internal divisions, particularly within the INDIA bloc, have weakened its challenge.The divide became apparent when the Congress focused on attacking PM Modi over the Adani controversy and disrupting parliamentary proceedings, while allies like the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party called for dialogue in Parliament.The Congress's inconsistent messaging, supporting national security initiatives like Operation Sindoor abroad while criticising them domestically, has further exposed its disarray.5. OPERATION SINDOOR'S MESSAGE GOT PM MODI BIPARTISAN SUPPORTOperation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, has been a game-changer.By targeting terror networks in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir with precision, the Indian armed forces, directed by the political leadership, showcased the Centre's resolve. It earned the Modi government bipartisan support as Opposition leaders like Shashi Tharoor and Asaduddin Owaisi joined delegations to several countries to advocate India's zero-tolerance policy.advertisementOperation Sindoor, which many have termed a "masterstroke", united the nation, shelving Opposition narratives for the time being. The operation has bolstered Modi's image as a strong leader, and reinforced public trust in his leadership, which many said had eroded.In just one year, Modi 3.0 has transformed the challenging start of his tenure into a narrative of triumph and will. Through electoral victories, parliamentary assertiveness, ally management, and a decisive security stance, the Modi-led BJP has not just silenced doubters, it has also set the stage for a robust third term.Must Watch