PM Modi's Enduring Appeal Fuels BJP's Success in Maharashtra and Haryana Elections, Rahul's Constitutional Claims Falter: Matrize Survey

New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) The BJP achieved a remarkable victory over the Congress and other opposition factions in the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections.

The party celebrated its success in both states, establishing new governments shortly after.

The Matrize Survey has revealed insights into the factors that propelled the BJP's notable success in these regions, even as the party experienced a dip in performance during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Key elements identified in the survey include the strong influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Congress-led opposition's ineffective challenge to the BJP.

The survey also pointed out significant changes in voter sentiment between the two electoral events.

The Congress' attempt to leverage the narrative surrounding ‘constitutional reforms’ failed to resonate in the Assembly elections.

The survey was conducted from November 25, 2024, to December 14, 2024, sampling 76,830 respondents in Maharashtra and 53,647 in Haryana.

Key Findings from the Matrize Survey

1. Lasting Popularity of PM Modi

Despite the BJP securing only 240 seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi continues to enjoy a strong following among voters in Maharashtra and Haryana, according to the survey. His reputation as a robust and impactful leader remains unchallenged. This finding is crucial, as it shows that voters in both states held a steadfast trust in PM Modi, significantly influencing the Assembly election results. Approximately 55 percent of surveyed voters in Maharashtra reported an increase in PM Modi’s popularity. Likewise, 53 percent of voters in Haryana noted a boost in PM Modi’s appeal.

2. Blow to Congress' Constitutional Narrative

A major factor identified by the Matrize Survey was the failure of the Congress' narrative that its leader Rahul Gandhi promoted during the Lok Sabha elections. The Congress had argued that the Modi government aimed to alter the Constitution, a claim that initially gained some traction during parliamentary elections. However, this narrative did not resonate during the Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana. In both states, the Congress' focus on issues like constitutional reforms, farm laws, and wrestlers’ grievances proved largely ineffective. Voters did not consider these matters significant, resulting in a shift towards the BJP.

3. Voter Sentiment on Congress Leadership

Another crucial finding from the survey indicated a significant lack of confidence in Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Opposition in Maharashtra and Haryana. His inability to present a viable alternative to PM Modi contributed to the Opposition's poor performance. Voters expressed skepticism regarding Congress’ leadership, perceiving Rahul Gandhi as out of touch with grassroots realities, especially when compared to PM Modi’s decisive and strong image. This perception was vital to the BJP's sweeping victory in these states.

4. Change in Voter Sentiment from Lok Sabha to Assembly Elections

It was also suggested that many voters in Maharashtra and Haryana, who may have erred by not supporting the BJP during the Lok Sabha elections, rectified their decision in the Assembly polls. A significant reason for this shift was the growing faith in PM Modi’s leadership and the perceived positive contributions of the central government to their lives. The Opposition's failure to present a coherent and convincing alternative resulted in a clear preference for the BJP in the state elections.

5. BJP's Strategic Messaging and Leadership

The Matrize Survey underscored the effective impact of the BJP’s messaging during the Assembly elections. The slogan “Ek Hain to Safe Hain (When united, we are safe)” resonated particularly well with voters in Maharashtra and Haryana. This narrative emphasized stability, national security, and economic development under PM Modi’s guidance, positioning the BJP as the safer choice.

Conversely, the Congress’ divisive rhetoric and internal leadership conflicts further alienated voters. The inability to effectively counter the BJP’s narrative was clear, especially given the public's dissatisfaction with the Congress' internal strife.

6. Local Leadership and Organizational Factors

In Haryana, the transition from Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to a new leadership team also played a role in the BJP’s success. The survey indicated that this leadership change helped the BJP regain voter trust, with 44 percent of respondents acknowledging a significant positive impact. Furthermore, the presence of strong local BJP leaders and a well-structured campaign solidified the party's support.

7. Government Schemes and Local Support

The BJP’s emphasis on local issues and welfare initiatives was vital in garnering voter support. In both states, the BJP government’s programs, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure, and rural development, had a favorable effect. Voters felt that they had benefited from the government's policies.

Considering all these aspects, the Matrize Survey provides a comprehensive overview of why the BJP triumphed in the Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana.

A multitude of interconnected factors contributed to this victory: the enduring popularity of PM Modi and sustained trust in his leadership, a significant setback to the Opposition's narrative—particularly the Congress' attempt to capitalize on constitutional changes, which failed to resonate in the Assembly elections, voter correction of their previous Lok Sabha choices, especially in light of the BJP’s effective governance and message of stability, and the BJP’s successful implementation of leadership changes, strategic messaging, and welfare initiatives to consolidate support.