Maharashtra+Haryana: The X factor of BJP is at work again
Maharshtra assembly elections can be attributed to a variety of factors such as strong welfare pitch and good performance by allies and the Hindutva agenda but there was one X factor which does not directly fits into the BJP's electoral machinery but helps take the issues to the grassroots: the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). After Haryana elections, when the RSS was in an overdrive and was seen to have contributed to the BJP's stunning victory, the Maharashtra elections too saw the organisation hit the ground to amplify issues which favour the BJP.
Maharashtra Election Results
Jharkhand Election Results
Bypoll Election Results
How the RSS gained significance after the Lok Sabha polls
One factor behind the BJP's lacklustre performance in the Lok Sabha polls, especially in Uttar Pradesh, was seen to be the weak RSS support. In fact, after the Lok Sabha polls, it emerged as a big issue with many talking of a rift between the BJP and the RSS. Some analysts suggested that a perceived lack of enthusiasm from the RSS might have contributed to the party's reduced numbers.
BJP president JP Nadda's comment during the parliamentary polls stating that while his party initially needed RSS support, it had become self-sufficient over the years has been perceived as demotivating for Sangh workers across various states.
“We consider the Lok Sabha result a lesson for the BJP. The Nadda statement also hurt us and led to the Sangh keeping away from the elections. However the BJP and the Sangh
