by Muslim Mirror Staff

The construction of the Ram temple has historically not been the sole determining factor in electoral politics for the BJP, as they have learned from past experiences. However, they are fully aware that this issue has greatly revitalized the party and played a significant role in bringing them to power.

In the upcoming 2024 elections, politics will likely revolve around the inauguration and consecration of the Ram Temple, as well as the continued construction progress. The BJP is expected to employ a more assertive political approach by associating other Hindutva-related issues with their agenda.

It is speculated that prior to the construction of the Ram temple, the BJP intends to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) at the national level. Additionally, there are discussions about implementing a population control law.

Recent events, such as the awarding of the Gandhi Peace Prize to the Gorakhpur press, indicate that there is a strong possibility of VD Savarkar being honoured with the Bharat Ratna, thereby emphasizing nationalism as a core ideology. These moves are likely aimed at creating an atmosphere of devotion and reinforcing nationalist sentiments in conjunction with the construction of the Ram temple.

According to a report by Satya Hindi, the BJP conducted a self-assessment in consultation with the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and conducted surveys to gauge public sentiment. Based on the findings and prepared reports, it was decided that apart from the construction of the Ram temple, additional measures should be taken.

In the BJP’s manifesto for the 2014 general elections, the Ram temple issue was mentioned as a formal matter and was placed last. A new slogan, “Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas” (Together with all, Development for all), was coined. The corruption issue was utilized to criticize the Congress government, while the new slogan aimed to inspire people with visions of progress and development.

The outcome of this strategy was apparent in the 2014 elections, as the BJP secured the majority with 31.34% of the votes, achieving the magic number required for a majority government on its own for the first time. A similar pattern emerged in the 2019 elections against the backdrop of the Pulwama attack and the subsequent retaliatory surgical strike.

It seems that the BJP’s approach involved a combination of focusing on issues beyond the Ram temple, such as corruption and development, and leveraging national security incidents to appeal to the electorate.

The BJP is facing a unique challenge in the upcoming elections as it not only has to contend with the Congress but also a united opposition.

Consequently, the BJP has adopted a strategy of raising issues that could weaken the opposition coalition. Two such issues are the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the Bharat Ratna award for Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. These issues have the potential to diminish the mobilization around the Congress and undermine its support base.