The 2024 general elections marked a significant shift in India’s political landscape, halting the BJP’s dominance and shaking up the ruling camp. However, the assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim told a different story.
Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), led by Chandrababu Naidu, triumphed, ousting the YuvajanaShramikaRythu Congress Party (YSRCP) led by Jagan Mohan Reddy. The TDP secured 135 seats in the 175-member assembly, with its allies Jana Sena Party (JSP) and BJP winning 21 and 8 seats, respectively. Jagan Reddy’s party was reduced to a mere 11 seats, a dramatic fall from its 2019 victory.
Chief Minister Jagan Reddy’s defeat is attributed to several factors, including unconvincing welfare programs, controversies over the volunteer system, and the unpopular “three capital” model. Additionally, the YSRCP’s close ties with the Modi government, rising state debt, and failure to deliver on job creation promises contributed to their downfall. The TDP, leveraging alliances and addressing public grievances, capitalized on the YSRCP’s missteps.
Odisha
Odisha saw a surprising turn of events as the BJP ended the Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) 25-year reign. The BJP won 78 seats in the 147-member assembly, while the BJD managed only 51 seats. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s strongman, V.K. Pandian, faced public backlash due to his dominating role and regional sentiments, contributing to the BJD’s defeat.
The BJP also swept the Lok Sabha elections in Odisha, winning 20 out of 21 seats. The BJD, which had a solid track record, succumbed to the BJP’s strategic campaign and promises, leading to a significant political shift in the state.
Sikkim
In Sikkim, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) retained power, winning 31 out of 32 seats. The opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) failed to secure a foothold, with its leader Pawan Kumar Chamling Rai losing in both constituencies he contested. Sikkim’s voters, wary of national parties, continued to support regional governance.
Arunachal Pradesh
The BJP maintained its dominance in Arunachal Pradesh, winning 46 out of 60 seats. The Congress secured only one seat, while independent candidates and smaller parties like the National People’s Party (NPP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and People’s Party of Arunachal (PPPA) shared the remaining seats. The state’s political landscape is heavily influenced by the central government, and money power plays a significant role in elections.
Conclusion
The assembly elections highlighted the complexities of regional politics in India. While the BJP faced a setback in the general elections, it managed to retain or gain power in key states. The defeats of Jagan Reddy and Naveen Patnaik underscore the challenges faced by regional leaders in balancing local governance with national alliances.