top of page

By:

Akhilesh Sinha

25 June 2025 at 2:53:54 pm

From Ideology to Electability

BJP is blending ideology with pragmatism, elevating leaders from rival parties to power New Delhi: The growing tendency of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to elevate leaders from other parties to the position of Chief Minister represents a shift, one that reflects not only a recalibration of the party's strategy but also the evolving character of Indian politics itself. Once known primarily as a cadre-based party anchored firmly in ideological commitment, the BJP has entered a phase where...

From Ideology to Electability

BJP is blending ideology with pragmatism, elevating leaders from rival parties to power New Delhi: The growing tendency of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to elevate leaders from other parties to the position of Chief Minister represents a shift, one that reflects not only a recalibration of the party's strategy but also the evolving character of Indian politics itself. Once known primarily as a cadre-based party anchored firmly in ideological commitment, the BJP has entered a phase where political pragmatism is accorded equal importance alongside ideology. The clearest evidence of this transformation lies in the rising number of leaders who, after crossing over from other parties, have not only found space within the BJP but have gone on to occupy the highest offices of power. Names such as Basavaraj Bommai in Karnataka, Himanta Biswa Sarma in Assam, and most recently Samrat Choudhary in Bihar have come to embody this trend. Each of these leaders had prior political affiliations outside the BJP, yet after joining the party, their stature and responsibilities have grown significantly. This is not an ad hoc development, but the outcome of a carefully crafted, multi-layered strategy. At the heart of this strategy lies a decisive emphasis on "winning ability." The BJP is no longer determining leadership solely on the basis of ideological loyalty, instead, it is prioritising individuals who possess electoral appeal, grassroots influence, and the capacity to navigate complex social equations. This explains why Himanta Biswa Sarma rose swiftly within the BJP to become Chief Minister and one of the party's most influential figures in the Northeast, who spent nearly two decades in the Congress. Similarly, leaders like Pema Khandu in Arunachal Pradesh, N. Biren Singh in Manipur, and Manik Saha in Tripura underscore the party's willingness to rely on strong local faces to expand its footprint in the Northeast, even if those leaders once belonged to the Congress. In Uttar Pradesh, the elevation of Brajesh Pathak, a former Bahujan Samaj Party leader, to the post of Deputy Chief Minister reflects a similar attempt to balance social equations. Key Driver One key driver of this approach is the relative absence of strong indigenous leadership in several states. In regions where the BJP historically lacked widely accepted local faces, turning to experienced leaders from other parties has proven to be a pragmatic solution. This marks a shift away from ideological rigidity toward an acceptance of political realities. A second critical factor is the need to manage caste and regional equations. Social structures continue to play a decisive role in Indian elections, and political success often hinges on aligning with these dynamics. In Bihar, the elevation of Samrat Choudhary is widely seen as an attempt to consolidate OBC/Kurmi support, while in Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai's leadership aligns with the influence of the Lingayat community. The third dimension of this strategy is the systematic weakening of the opposition. By inducting influential leaders from rival parties and assigning them significant roles, the BJP not only strengthens its own ranks but also erodes the organizational capacity of its competitors. The induction of leaders such as Jyotiraditya Scindia, Narayan Rane, R. P. N. Singh, and Jitin Prasada, all of whom have been entrusted with key responsibilities in government and party structures, illustrates this approach. Two Levels The BJP's model now appears to function on two distinct levels: a strong and centralized leadership at the top, and influential local faces at the state level. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, the central command remains cohesive and firmly in control, while states are led by individuals capable of delivering electoral victories, irrespective of their political past. The rise of Suvendu Adhikari in West Bengal further exemplifies this strategy. Once a close aide of Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari is now one of the BJP's principal faces in the state, forming a cornerstone of the party's expansion efforts. The message is unmistakable clear that the opportunities within the BJP are no longer confined to its traditional cadre. Any leader with mass appeal and capability can aspire to the top. This shift also reflects the party's organisational confidence. The BJP believes its institutional structure is robust enough to quickly integrate leaders from outside and align them with its broader objectives. This has enabled a blend of ideological flexibility and political pragmatism. That said, the strategy is not without its internal contradictions. For long-time party workers, the rapid rise of leaders from outside may send mixed signals, potentially creating tensions within the cadre. Managing this balance will be a critical test for the party in the years ahead. Even so, in a broader sense, the BJP's approach represents a fusion of ideology and pragmatism. Its goals are clear that secure electoral victories, expand rapidly into new regions, and systematically weaken the opposition.

Mahayuti poised for Rajya Sabha sweep

Spotlight turns to Sharad Pawar’s next move

Mumbai: With the dust barely settling on the recent political upheavals in Maharashtra, the state is bracing for yet another high-stakes battle. Seven seats from Maharashtra in the Rajya Sabha are set to fall vacant on April 2, triggering an election that will be decided not by popular vote, but by the ruthless arithmetic of the State Assembly.


For the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the numbers promise a near-clean sweep. For the battered Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), it is a battle for survival. But the overarching narrative centers on one man - Sharad Pawar. As his own term draws to a close, the patriarch faces a defining choice that could shape the future of the opposition in the state.


The seven seats going to polls are currently held by four parties. The Bharatiya Janata Party has two members, Dhairyashil Mohan Patil and Bhagwat Karad, and one seat allotted from its quota to Republican Party of India leader Ramdas Athawale. The Sharad Pawar led NCP SP holds two seats through Pawar and Fauzia Khan. The Congress is represented by Rajani Ashokrao Patil, while the Shiv Sena UBT has Priyanka Chaturvedi.


Maharashtra currently has 19 Rajya Sabha members. Of these, the BJP has seven, the Congress and NCP have three each, the NCP SP and Shiv Sena UBT have two each, the Shiv Sena has one, and the Republican Party of India has one.


Arithmetic of dominance

The electoral math is starkly tilted in favor of the ruling coalition. The Mahayuti—comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and the NCP faction now rallying behind Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar—commands a formidable strength of 228 MLAs in the legislative assembly.


In the complex preferential voting system of the Rajya Sabha, this number is a fortress.


To win a single Rajya Sabha seat, a candidate requires roughly 36 to 37 first-preference votes (depending on the exact number of sitting MLAs).


With 228 votes, the Mahayuti can comfortably elect six candidates (approx. 222 votes needed) with votes to spare.


"The BJP and its allies have the luxury of numbers," notes a legislative expert. "Unless there is cross-voting of a magnitude we haven't seen before, six seats are a foregone conclusion for the government."


In stark contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) finds itself cornered. The combined strength of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) stands at a mere 46 MLAs.


This number is sufficient to secure only one seat safely.


This solitary seat presents a strategic headache for the alliance. With three parties vying for relevance, deciding who gets to send a candidate to the Upper House will be a test of their fragile unity. Any internal discord or cross-voting could jeopardize even this single win, potentially handing a seventh bonus seat to the Mahayuti if they choose to field an extra candidate to force a contest.


The Pawar Conundrum

The most significant vacancy on April 2 is that of Sharad Pawar himself.


Prior to recent events, the veteran leader had signaled his intention to step back from electoral politics, hinting at making way for a new generation. However, the sudden and tragic death of Ajit Pawar has fundamentally altered the landscape.


The tragedy has left the NCP (SP) vulnerable and in need of an anchor. Political analysts argue that Pawar’s "retirement" is a luxury the opposition can no longer afford.


He is seen as a stabilizing force for the opposition. His presence in the Rajya Sabha ensures the opposition retains a powerful voice in New Delhi.


If Sharad Pawar chooses to contest, it serves as a rallying cry for the dispirited cadres of the MVA.


Also, with Ajit Pawar gone and the other faction firmly with the BJP, Sharad Pawar remains the only glue holding his faction together. Stepping away now could accelerate the disintegration of his party.


“The script has changed,” said a senior NCP (SP) leader on condition of anonymity. “Saheb had planned to retire, but the party is in crisis. We are urging him to file the nomination. We need a general on the field, not in the mentoring room.”


Test for Sunetra Pawar

While the focus is on the opposition, the election is also a subtle test for the new Deputy Chief Minister, Sunetra Pawar. Delivering the votes of the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) seamlessly to the Mahayuti candidates will be her first major legislative assignment. Following Sunil Tatkare’s defiant rejection of a merger, a disciplined voting performance by her MLAs will validate her control over the party apparatus and silence skeptics who doubt her hold on the legislative unit.

Comments

bottom of page