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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.

When Silence Leads Loudly

There are moments in life when everything is loud — voices, opinions, demands, deadlines, decisions. And then, there are moments when all you can hear is the silence, dense and decisive. It’s in these quiet pockets of life, often overlooked by the fast-paced, always-on professional world, that the true essence of personal branding is formed — not through noise, but through wisdom.


We live in a time where saying more is equated with being more. Where showing up often is considered as showing up well. But the truly impactful professionals, the ones who stand out in crowded boardrooms and across cluttered social media feeds, are those who have mastered the art of when — when to speak and when to pause, when to express and when to absorb, when to lead and when to gracefully follow.


This knowing — this deep internal compass — isn’t a skill that’s taught in MBA classrooms or corporate seminars. It is cultivated slowly, often in silence, through observation, introspection, and choosing authenticity over performance. That, right there, is the foundation of powerful personal branding. Many professionals believe building a brand means posting regularly, dressing a certain way, or learning how to pitch. And while all of these are tools, the real brand — the one that stays in the minds of people long after the presentation ends or the project is delivered — is built in moments of deliberate restraint. It is built when a founder listens intently instead of interrupting.


When a leader owns a mistake without wrapping it in excuses. When a senior executive decides to step aside and spotlight someone else on the team. When a high-performing professional chooses privacy over performance on social media because they are building something quietly and meaningfully.


The world remembers what is rare. And in a world that’s constantly shouting, silence — when placed wisely — becomes memorable. So does gentleness. So does humility. So does walking away from the wrong people, wrong clients, wrong platforms even when they bring in money or attention.


In a hyper-connected world, knowing whom to let go with love and grace is a wisdom few possess. But it is that wisdom that builds trust. And trust is the most magnetic part of your personal brand. Letting go doesn’t make you smaller. It makes you clearer. Choosing not to engage in every argument, not to chase every opportunity, and not to post every win doesn't make you invisible.


It makes you intentional. And nothing commands more respect than a professional who is intentional — about their words, their values, their relationships, and their presence.


Your brand is not what people see. It's what they remember. It’s what they say when you're not in the room. It’s the quiet confidence you carry into spaces. It’s the decisions you make when no one is watching. It’s knowing when to walk in with light and when to wait in the dark, trusting that your time will come. That people will notice.


That your work will echo. And that your silence, when placed wisely, will speak louder than any caption, keynote, or campaign ever could. So, no, personal branding isn’t about becoming louder. It’s about becoming wiser. It's about tuning in — to yourself, your surroundings, and the story you are telling through your presence, even in absence. Wisdom is the new influence. It doesn’t demand attention. It earns it.


Let that be your edge. And yet, the true art lies not in being constantly seen, but in knowing when to step into the spotlight and why. The leader who speaks less but says more, who chooses stillness over noise, who understands timing over tactics — leaves behind not just an impression, but a legacy. So, pause, just for a moment, and ask yourself — in a world obsessed with volume, are you mastering the light… or just flickering in it? Book a free consultation call with me : https://sprect.com/pro/divyaaadvaani


(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)

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