As the saffron wave of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) surged through Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan during the recent state assembly elections, foreign media closely examined the implications for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP on the road to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
New York Times: BJP Expands Dominance, Another Blow to Congress
The New York Times highlighted the BJP’s triumphs in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, expanding its dominance in a key region ahead of the general elections. The report noted that the results further diminished the fortunes of the main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, setting the stage for the BJP’s advantage in 2024.
Bloomberg: Opposition’s Loss in State Polls Buoy BJP for 2024
Bloomberg reported that while state assembly polls are not a direct indicator of the general elections in 2024, the comprehensive loss of the opposition in these polls provides a boost to the ruling party and Prime Minister Modi. The Congress party’s attempts to highlight issues like joblessness and caste discrimination did not resonate, and the BJP’s strong performance signals Modi’s return to power as inevitable.
Reuters: Modi’s Enduring Popularity and the Challenge of a United Opposition
Reuters emphasized Prime Minister Modi’s enduring popularity, citing surveys that suggest he is likely to win again in 2024. The report noted the challenge posed by a 28-party opposition alliance led by Congress but pointed out that it did not feature in the state polls due to internal rivalries. The focus remained on the direct contest between the BJP and Congress.
AFP: Modi’s Momentum Continues with State Wins
Foreign news agency AFP reported that the victories in the three states further bolstered the BJP and Prime Minister Modi, positioning him as the favorite for a third consecutive term in office in the upcoming national elections. The results were seen as setbacks for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party.
Financial Times: Limited Evidence of State-National Correlation, Congress Weakened
Citing political scientists, the Financial Times noted limited evidence of a correlation between state and national results. However, the report highlighted that the outcome leaves Congress weakened at a crucial time, adding to the challenges the party has faced since Modi’s ascent to the premiership in 2014.
