Double engine decoupled: Loss of JD(U)’s EBC bastion rattles BJP

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Double engine decoupled: Loss of JD(U)’s EBC bastion rattles BJP

In public remarks over Nitish Kumar’s transfer to finish their alliance, Bihar BJP leaders are calling it “good riddance”. But the parting of how with the JD(U), its solely main ally within the NDA, has the BJP in a dilemma and the get together’s nationwide management is nervous as a result of the realignment in Bihar, a vital Hindi heartland state, has the potential to jeopardize BJP calculations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Although the Bihar unit of the BJP at all times had a grudge towards Nitish and plenty of there checked out him with suspicion, the get together nationwide management, sources stated, maintained that the JD (U) chief would stay on the prime publish, regardless of the arithmetic within the alliance tally. The BJP management, sources stated, was acutely aware of what the Kurmi chief might convey to the desk in an electoral take a look at.

The BJP prime brass in Delhi didn’t supply any instant touch upon the developments in Patna after Nitish made his transfer.

Some BJP leaders consider that Nitish might emerge as a binding pressure for the Opposition since he has the potential to usher in extra regional events to a potential alliance.

Nitish, who was stated to have as soon as nursed prime ministerial ambitions, might be pitted towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the Opposition, BJP leaders stated. “Although he cannot match the popularity and acceptance of Prime Minister Modi, the Opposition, which is headless now, can re-emerge and gain strength. Whether it can win the electoral test is a different matter,” a former BJP MP stated.

With the JD (U) breaking away, the BJP’s largest worry will likely be its impression on the assist base comprising the Most Backward Classes or Extremely Backward Classes, which Nitish had introduced in for the BJP within the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the 2020 state elections . In Bihar, the place caste nonetheless issues in electoral battles, the mixture of Muslims and Yadavs (the standard assist base of the RJD) with the MBC, which is 17 per cent, can create a significant issue for the BJP.

In a minimum of eight districts in Mithila and Magadh areas, the BJP had banked closely on Nitish’s goodwill to win the seats. The NDA received 39 of the 40 seats – 16 for JD (U), 17 for BJP and 6 for LJP – within the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Although the BJP maintains that the recognition of Prime Minister Modi and the welfare schemes initiated by his authorities on the Center performed key roles in NDA wins within the two elections, senior get together leaders admit that Nitish’s departure may be “disastrous” if the BJP doesn’t play its playing cards fastidiously in Bihar – it’s the solely jap state the place it has had the boldness of assured numbers, till now.

Sources indicated {that a} powerful contest in Bihar might spoil the BJP’s nationwide methods too. While the jap and southern areas are troublesome for the BJP to safe a large variety of seats, the get together must rely closely on the northern and western areas within the normal election.

For now, the JD (U)’s exit means the lack of yet one more state for the NDA, however it doesn’t make any important distinction to it within the Lok Sabha the place it has a brute majority. However, in Rajya Sabha, the place even the Shiv Sena’s three MPs are nonetheless with the Opposition, 5 members of JD (U) are anticipated to affix the Opposition. The BJP doesn’t have a majority within the Upper House.

According to get together sources, the BJP nationwide management will quickly “review” the methods. There might be appointment of a brand new normal secretary in cost in addition to a rejig within the state organisation, sources stated.

“The BJP’s benefit is that it’s a sturdy group with roots on the floor stage and it has the equipment and community to implement any contemporary technique in a brief span of time. We have sufficient time to refresh ourselves and may exit with a contemporary technique,” a senior BJP chief stated.

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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS

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