BJP's 2019 General Election Victory: A Comprehensive Analysis
India's 2019 General Elections were a turning point in the nation's political landscape. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a landslide victory due to a series of strategic decisions and the effective use of propaganda techniques. This article will delve into the key reasons behind BJP's success, including the Pulwama incident and subsequent actions, as well as various other factors that played a crucial role.
Pulwama Incident and Balakot Airstrike: Fulcrum of BJP's Strategic Advantage
The Pulwama incident in 2019 and the Balakot airstrike that followed were pivotal moments in Indian politics. These events, which occurred in 2019, marked a significant escalation in the tensions with Pakistan. The BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, adeptly used these events to rally public sentiment.
URRI Attack (July 1999): This incident, along with subsequent blasts and terrorist attacks, had been ongoing since 1947. Each attack, such as the Red Fort attack, JK Legislative Assembly car attack, Indian Parliament attack, Mumbai train bombings, Jaipur Bombing, Delhi Bombings, Srinagar attack, and Pathankot attack, stoked a sense of national frustration towards Pakistan and its terrorist groups. The government's inaction over these years, often criticized, led to a surge in support for the BJP, which promised decisive action.
Balakot Airstrike: Public Sentiment and International Recognition
The Balakot Airstrike in February 2019 was a decisive response to the Pulwama attack. This action not only showcased India's military capabilities but also generated significant international attention. The safe return of the Indian fighter pilot from Pakistani soil following the strike was a major scoop, highlighting India's commitment to human rights and the Geneva Conventions. This event transformed Prime Minister Modi into a national hero, further boosting BJP's support.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Gateway to Economic and Social Reform
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched by the central government, aimed to improve sanitation and cleanliness across India. Despite the challenges, the initiative gained traction through the efforts of the railway department, which demonstrated significant improvements in cleanliness. PM Modi's consistent appeals for a cleaner India, coupled with the railway department's success, positioned him as a true follower of Mahatma Gandhi, providing an additional layer of appeal to the electorate.
Demonetization: A Divisive Yet Effective Move
The Demonetization was a controversial step aimed at busting black money and curbing corruption. Although it had mixed results in terms of black money elimination, it did succeed in highlighting the corrupt practices prevalent in society. The move, although not economically justified, helped to polarize the public, leading to a surge in BJP support. PM Modi's communication, urging the public not to return illicit money, further solidified his image as a champion against corruption.
Jana Dhan Yojana: Financial Inclusion and Empowerment
The Jana Dhan Yojana was a game changer for the BJP. This scheme aimed to provide universal financial inclusion by allowing people to open bank accounts with no minimum balance. By linking government welfare schemes to this initiative, the BJP ensured that funds reached the poorest sections directly, bypassing middlemen. This not only brought about a sense of empowerment among the poor but also solidified the BJP's position as the party that works for the common man.
Impact of Other Initiatives and Modi's Personal Appeal
Other initiatives, such as the Skill India Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat Yojana, contributed to the BJP's success. The Skills India Mission aimed at skill training for unemployed youth, making them job-ready. Ujjwala Yojana provided subsidized LPG connections to poor households, changing the narrative from a dream to a reality. Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the world's largest health insurance scheme, further strengthened the BJP's image as a committed and caring government.
Modi's personal charisma and dynamic speeches also played a crucial role. His foreign visits, farmer welfare schemes, and the Adarsh Village Yojana added to the success. The opposition's stunts, such as labeling Modi as a chaiwala (tea seller), only served to highlight inconsistencies and polarize the electorate.
In conclusion, the 2019 General Election victory of BJP was a result of a combination of strategic decisions, effective use of public sentiment, and innovative schemes aimed at benefiting the masses. The events of the Pulwama incident and Balakot airstrike, along with other successful initiatives, collectively provided a powerful narrative that resonated with the Indian electorate.