BJP cannot piggy ride on Modi every time

The elections results of 2019 are axiomatic. Those tell us two things in the first place - one Balakot, Pulwama etc., are not encashable always and that BJP and Narendra Modi are two different things.

Modi swept the polls for the BJP in the general elections in the first half of the year. The ruling party rode a Modi wave to cross all expectations and predictions and swept the polls decimating the Congress and other rivals.

This time around, when it came to the Assembly elections, the results came up as a wakeup call to the BJP. It is something similar to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan election results. Whether the BJP would be forming the government in Haryana is anybody's guess.

To do so, perhaps, it has to go for some horse-trading as usual. It is adept at it and its leadership is already in touch with Dushyant Chautala whose JJP is literally the kingmaker now. The results could be compared to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh because the mood of the voters was the same.

Voters of all these States were clear about their choices - Modi for the nation and change at the local level. Modi's campaign was no different from what it had been in the past. He attempted to strike the same chord and raised the same concerns and achievements of his government.

Article 370 dominated the discourse in addition. But the voters knew they were not voting for Modi this time around. Local issues dominated the electorate when it came to polling. The devastating floods might have taken a toll of the BJP plans in Maharashtra where the State government's failure in reaching out to the people dominated the discourse.

Rural Maharashtra facing distress did not desert Sharad Pawar. In addition, the BJP has to look at the infighting within the alliance with Shiv Sena too as a cause. The BJP is in a position to form the government there. But it is still a dicey situation with the Shiv Sena demanding its share unlike the last time. That is no comfort to the BJP leadership.

Similarly, Haryana position too is unhappy for the BJP. Inside reports suggest that Chief Minister Khattar's ticket distribution is being questioned by the party chief and the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah.

Haryana also indicates another son-rise. Dushyant Chautala has emerged on his own and his JJP is all set to alter the political landscape of the State. There is every chance that his party is all set raise its stature in future. A new headache for the BJP certainly.

It is time the BJP realises that it cannot stretch its agenda further. National security is key, no doubt and people vote for Modi on this count because of his firm stand against Pakistan and for raising the stature of India, abroad. But when it comes to the States, local issues dominate.

Unemployment, underdevelopment, continued suppression of minorities and intolerance are the real issues that affect everyday life. The BJP cannot piggy ride Modi every time and has to introspect.