New Delhi, May 6: The BJP has secured a significant majority in West Bengal and Assam, while the DMK faced a crushing defeat in Tamil Nadu. Various issues and factors influenced the election campaign, but the controversial statements regarding ‘Hindu’, ‘Hindutva’, and ‘Sanatan’ emerged as key elements. These remarks led to a perception that a large section of Hindu voters felt offended, which reflected in the election results.
In the lead-up to the elections, the contentious statements surrounding ‘Hindu’ and ‘Sanatan’ shaped political discourse across several states. The BJP made these remarks a central issue in their campaign narrative, effectively reaching out to voters. Political circles are buzzing with discussions on how these comments swayed voter sentiments.
During the electoral battle in West Bengal, the issue of Hindu-Muslim polarization became prominent, which the BJP integrated into its campaign narrative. Conversely, statements made by TMC leaders related to Mecca and Medina did not help their party’s standing. Analysts believe this dynamic influenced a segment of voters, aiding the BJP in gaining electoral advantage.
In Tamil Nadu, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments on ‘Sanatan Dharma’ in 2023 sparked nationwide political controversy. The BJP consistently framed this statement as an “insult to Hindu faith,” making it a part of the national electoral discourse. Although the BJP did not come to power in the state, this issue significantly bolstered its political narrative, coinciding with the DMK’s defeat.
In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statements and Asaduddin Owaisi’s responses intensified the debate on ‘Hindu identity.’ The BJP has maintained power in the state, with such issues remaining central to its political narrative. Sarma’s emphasis on this topic further solidified his image as a vocal Hindu leader.
Looking back at the political turmoil in the months leading up to these elections, it appears that opposition parties are paying the price for not addressing issues relevant to the majority population. A similar situation was observed in Madhya Pradesh’s 2023 assembly elections, where the BJP intensified attacks on the opposition regarding ‘Sanatan’ and religious identity. This issue was consistently highlighted during the campaign. Congress leader and former CM Kamal Nath stated that for Congress to form a government in the state, 90% of Muslims would need to vote. The results reflected this, with the BJP achieving a clear majority, supported by factors such as organization, leadership, and narrative, including discussions related to ‘Sanatan.’
In Rajasthan, the ongoing national debate on ‘Sanatan’ resonated ahead of the elections. The BJP accused Congress of “anti-Sanatan” sentiments, making it a campaign issue. Although there was a change in power, political experts do not attribute this solely to one issue, considering factors like anti-incumbency, local issues, organizational strength, and Prime Minister Modi’s image.
In Chhattisgarh, the ‘Sanatan’ controversy also became part of the campaign, contributing to the BJP’s eventual victory. Analysts suggest that the narrative surrounding religious identity, combined with other local and political issues, had a significant impact.
In Bihar’s assembly elections, controversies arose from statements made by RJD leaders like Shivanand Tiwari. The BJP and its allies capitalized on these issues politically. The formation of the NDA government in the state was aided by the coalition’s political equations and the then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s image as ‘Vikas Kumar’ and ‘Sushasan Babu.’
In summary, the consecration of the Shri Ram Temple on January 22, 2024, and the subsequent framing of it by Congress leaders as a BJP-sponsored event have hurt a large section of religious sentiments. This impact is evident in the elections, where many voters consider their religious beliefs alongside issues like development and education when casting their votes.
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