Prashant Kishor predicts BJP’s expansion into traditional opposition strongholds in LS polls

Election strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor has predicted that the BJP will emerge as the major winning party not only in its traditional strongholds but also in key states like West Bengal and Odisha, which have traditionally been bastions of other parties, blaming the Congress and other opposition parties for missing opportunities.

Speaking with the Press Trust of India, Kishor outlined his analysis, indicating that the BJP's remarkable surge could extend even to southern states like Telangana. He expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects in Odisha, foreseeing it as the leading party in the state, and speculated that West Bengal might witness a historic shift with the BJP potentially emerging as the top party there.

Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Kerala together account for 204 seats in the Lok Sabha. However, in 2014 and 2019, they had cumulatively won 29 and 47 seats respectively.

However, Kishor tempered expectations by asserting that the BJP is unlikely to meet its ambitious target of winning 370 seats, despite its anticipated gains. He pointed out that while the BJP is expected to make significant inroads in eastern and southern India, its dominance may not extend to such a vast margin.

The upcoming elections in Andhra Pradesh also drew Kishor's attention, where he predicted a challenging path for Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's political comeback. Kishor likened Reddy's approach to that of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, suggesting that they both focused on serving their constituents rather than fulfilling broader aspirations, which might hamper their electoral fortunes.

Reflecting on the overall political landscape, Kishor highlighted the importance of the Opposition alliance, particularly the Congress, in challenging the BJP. He emphasized that the BJP could face pressure only if the Opposition, especially the Congress, could dent its strongholds in north and west India. However, Kishor noted that the BJP is likely to maintain its dominance in these regions, barring significant losses.

Kishor also critiqued the Congress's strategy, questioning Rahul Gandhi's decision to embark on a yatra just two months before the elections. He likened it to a military commander leaving headquarters during a battle, suggesting that Gandhi should have focused on strategic planning rather than touring states like Manipur.

Kishor criticized the Opposition's decision to form alliances merely nine months before the elections, arguing that such efforts should have been initiated much earlier for greater efficacy.

Moreover, Kishor emphasized the significance of key battleground states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, urging the Opposition to prioritize these regions over symbolic victories in distant territories.

He specifically mentioned the absence of a Congress candidate announcement for Amethi, once considered a Gandhi family stronghold, indicating that strategic decisions should align with broader electoral goals.

Kishor's insights provide a narrative of the evolving political dynamics in India, with the BJP poised for significant gains across various regions. However, his remarks also underscore the challenges facing the Opposition, particularly the Congress, in mounting a formidable challenge against the BJP's electoral dominance.