Mumbai: Despite falling short of expectations in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP is setting its sights firmly on future dominance, with plans extending all the way to 2029. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term relies heavily on coalition allies, but this hasn’t deterred the BJP’s leadership from laying out an aggressive long-term agenda. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the party’s second-in-command, unveiled the strategy during a high-profile visit to Mumbai, setting the stage for both the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections and the BJP’s solo ambitions for 2029.
Addressing party workers at a meeting held in Dadar’s Swami Narayan Temple hall, Shah spoke with confidence about the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. He boldly predicted that the Mahayuti alliance (BJP’s coalition with Shiv Sena and other parties) would secure a decisive victory in 2024. However, his vision extended much further Shah repeatedly emphasized that by 2029, the BJP must aim to govern without coalition “crutches” and form a government on its own.
2029: The Year of Self-Reliance for BJP
Shah’s statement marks a critical shift in the BJP’s strategy, highlighting its ambition to break free from coalition dependencies. “The Mahayuti victory in 2024 is a certainty, but our goal is to be self-reliant by 2029,” Shah stated, underscoring the party’s desire for dominance without alliances. This long-term agenda was revealed multiple times during his speech, suggesting that while the party recognizes the importance of its allies for now, it is preparing to become a standalone force in Indian politics in the near future.
Maharashtra: A Crucial Battleground
Shah also highlighted the importance of Maharashtra in shaping the political landscape of India. He noted that no party has won three consecutive terms in the state in the last 60 years, but firmly declared that the BJP and its allies would make history by doing so in 2024. “Maharashtra’s elections will change the direction of the country’s politics,” Shah remarked, adding that a Mahayuti victory in 2024 would set the tone for BJP’s nationwide strategies in the years to come.
A Stern Reminder to BJP Workers
While Shah’s speech was full of optimism and grand plans, it also included a sharp message for BJP workers. Sources indicate that before launching into his address, Shah sternly reprimanded the gathering for recording videos of the event, stressing the importance of discipline. He emphasized that internal differences must be resolved if the party is to succeed in upcoming elections. “An organization with divided workers cannot succeed. We must put an end to our differences,” he urged, hinting at underlying tensions within the party ranks.
Shah also took a moment to reflect on BJP’s humble beginnings, recounting how the party’s workers remained loyal even when the BJP won just two seats in the Lok Sabha. “Our workers in the 80s knew they were going to lose but didn’t care. We didn’t enter politics for posts like Prime Minister we entered to build a better India,” Shah said, reinforcing the BJP’s ideological commitment to its vision, regardless of electoral outcomes.
Looking Ahead: BJP’s Ideological Steadfastness
Shah’s message was clear: while governments may come and go, and political parties may abandon their principles, the BJP will not. He vowed that the party would continue to uphold its core ideas and policies, despite electoral challenges. “Our government has lasted for 10 years, and we have not abandoned our policies or ideas,” Shah concluded, reaffirming the BJP’s ideological steadfastness in the face of changing political tides.
With the 2024 Maharashtra elections on the horizon and 2029 already in its sights, the BJP is not just thinking about immediate victories but long-term dominance. Amit Shah’s speech made it evident that while alliances are crucial for now, the party is preparing for a future where it can stand strong on its own, shaping India’s political future for years to come.
