BJP in Bihar: Tough balancing between Hindutva and development

Prime Minister Modi’s speeches, which were drawing lot of criticism for their personalised attacks, have seen him reiterate that he will not allow any change in the quota system. On Monday, the PM went to the extent of reminding people that as Gujarat CM he did not let the reservation criteria be changed.

Another reason for the shift in focus is the nature of the electorate. Although the BJP was confident of consolidation of the upper castes in its favour and its dominance in urban areas, latest reports suggest a slight erosion in the forward caste votes for the party. This seems to have made them a little nervous. The next two rounds of polling are in urban areas and the population mainly consists of Dalits and backward caste voters. The party believes that a consolidation along religious lines – Hindutva – can be the only binding force that can keep intact its vote bank especially because the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ relies heavily on the

Muslim-Yadav-OBC votes. PM Modi’s observation in his Monday and Tuesday campaign speeches that “they (the Grand Alliance) will take away five percent of your share for reservation on religious basis”, was part of this strategy.

BJP leaders admit that balancing Hindutva with development has been a tough task. While some feel that the recent controversial incidents/remarks might have helped to unite a section of voters who feel their religion is under threat, it may also have alienated the youth, the targeted support base of the BJP.

The BJP’s nervousness is visible in the party leaders’ statements. Leader after leader declares that the outcome of the Bihar elections will not be a referendum on the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

Still, leaders feel that the large and enthusiastic crowds at Prime Minister’s rallies will translate into votes. Such massive rallies cannot be created by political resources, money or muscle power alone. Leaders say 90 per cent of the crowd has been the youth – and that’s what the BJP is banking on.