BJP EYES 300 LOK SABHA SEATS, CONGRESS SEEKS REVIVAL

Despite BJP’s strong presence in the Hindi belt states, itis unlikely that it will sweep all the states.

- AJIT MAINDOLA

With the dates of the elections for the formation of the 18th Lok Sabha approaching, speculation has begun in both Congress and BJP about the results. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the entire NDA look confident of the slogan "is baar 400 paar", meaning crossing 400 this time, the Congress is expecting a miracle this time like in 2004. It means that somehow Congress is expecting 140 to 150 seats.

Congress is grappling with uncertainty regarding its seat allocation, lacking a clear strategy for securing seats even in Hindi belt states. Conversely, the BJP anticipates a ceiling of 250 seats, with political discourse suggesting a waning of the BJP wave. However, the veracity of these projections will be revealed on 4 June.

Despite speculation of a diminishing Modi wave, the prevailing atmosphere suggests otherwise. The BJP’s campaign leading up to the elections has been heavily steeped in Hindutva, evident from the consecration of Ram Lala’s idol in Ayodhya’s Ram temple on 22 January. This event served as a precursor to BJP’s electoral narrative, anchoring its campaign around the Ram temple issue. Thus, it is evident that the BJP is positioning itself to contest the 2024 elections on a platform centered on Hindutva.

The voting process for the formation of the 18th Lok Sabha will begin from 19 April. The final phase of voting will be held on 1 June. The results will be declared on 4 June.