BJP’s welfare schemes, Modi ki guarantee worked in Madhya Pradesh; Congress suffers due to infighting, arrogance
BJP in Madhya Pradesh has come as a surprise for many within the party as a two-third majority was not expected. While the central and state welfare schemes have worked for the BJP, Congress scuttled its chances due to infighting and trying to better what Shivraj Singh Chouhan government was already providing.
To beat the natural fatigue and anti-incumbency that was building up against it, BJP fought these elections with “Modi ki guarantee”, seeking votes through this slogan in its manifesto and its public meetings.
The extension by another five years of the free foodgrain scheme, along with the slew of central welfare schemes, has worked for the BJP.
Though the Ladli Behna scheme had faced some teething problems and Congress had countered it with the promise of Rs 1500 for women per month (Rs 250 more than Ladli Behna), the voters chose the tested welfare schemes over what was promised. BJP had run a fervent campaign charging Kamal Nath with not keeping his promise of waiving off the farm loans during his 15 months in power.
Kamal Nath also promised LPG cylinders at Rs 500, which the BJP matched.
Jyotiraditya Scindia moving to the BJP has worked despite reports that the party loyalists and the supporters of the Gwalior royal had clashed in several places and were working against each other. The party has clearly managed this well as the results in the Gwalior-Morena belt shows with BJP leading in 26 of the 34 seats.
