In the last 26 days, the top leaders of the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, held 108 rallies and road shows across four states that were going to polls in November. Their aim was to attract people to their campaign.
The BJP concentrated heavily on these campaigns in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, where PM Modi and Shah had strong connections with the public. The party's slogans like 'MP Ke Mann Mein Modi Hai' and 'Modi Sathe Apno Rajasthan' focused the elections on Prime Minister Modi.
During this period, PM Modi led the charge for the BJP by conducting 42 public rallies and four large road shows. His focus was mainly on Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, where he held numerous rallies and road shows. Interestingly, Chhattisgarh also witnessed PM Modi conducting four rallies.
The absence of a Chief Ministerial face led the BJP to rely heavily on Modi's leadership during these elections. In states like Karnataka, despite PM Modi's extensive campaigning, the BJP faced a significant defeat, which led the opposition to argue that the 'Narendra Modi factor' has limitations, especially when local leaders play a crucial role.
A senior BJP leader emphasized that the impact of Modi's campaign would be most significant in Hindi-speaking states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, compared to Kannada-speaking states like Karnataka, due to his appeal among the masses.
Amit Shah, too, conducted an aggressive campaign with 62 rallies and road shows, including 'rath sabhas.' Notably, his substantial campaigning in Telangana signified the BJP's serious intent in that state. Shah's presence was prominent in Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, where he conducted various rallies and road shows, held press conferences, and launched the party's manifesto.
