Gujarat 2022 was no different. Modi and Shah were out of the blockade long before battle lines were drawn. Besides being a prestige fight as both belong to the state, it was supposed to be a preparation for the 2024 mega fight for Lok Sabha and the duo scripted a record in the state.
Modi and Shah successfully conveyed the message that any defeat for the BJP would be a blow to nationwide “Gujarati asmita” (pride) and made sure there were no gaps in getting the message across, a party member.
While the prime minister took time out to talk no less than 31 rallies and embarked on major road shows – 50km to Ahmedabad and 25km to Surat – the home minister camped out in the state for days during polls in two stages and has handled every detail up to the stand level with care. The mission was to win a bigger victory than before, with an eye to 2024, when Prime Minister Modi will seek a third consecutive term.
“The race must start at home… home turf consolidation in 2022 will send the message to the rest of the country for 2024,” said a party official.
BJP numbers have declined in the last two elections in the state. Hence, it was all the more important to have a great exhibition and the efforts paid off.
When asked about Modi’s intense campaign ahead of the polls, another party member said, “The prime minister’s message was clear that he works hard to bring Gujarat to greater glory and people should give the BJP a magical mandate.” that will strengthen his hands. ”
During the campaign, Modi and Shah touched on national issues, including India’s assumption of the G20 presidency, which will also bring events and investors to the state.
The fact that the Morbi Bridge collapse, which claimed more than 135 lives just before the polls, had virtually no impact only indicates the influence the duo had to convert the BJP’s long tenure in the state into a strong “pro-incumbent”.
The party asked for votes on behalf of the PM. Both Modi and Shah have underlined how a ‘dual engine’ government (with the party also in the saddle at the Centre) will ensure that the state gets its due.
