The party's well-oiled machinery must perform to pull off a hat trick in 2024

The BJP's preparations for the 2024 general elections are already in full swing. The party is anticipated to highlight a diverse range of issues, including economic revival, national security, social welfare, cultural nationalism and governance reforms.  As the election campaign unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the BJP navigates these issues. Ultimately, the electorate will have the final say in determining the course of the nation as it evaluates the BJP's promises and compares them with the performance of other political contenders. As the election year nears, political parties are already gearing up for the next general elections. Among them, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India's ruling party, has wasted no time in kickstarting its preparations and putting its boots on the ground. The party is known for being one of the best well-oiled election machines which routed the Congress under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the chief architect of its victory, in 2014 and 2019. A recurring theme in the BJP's campaigns has been cultural nationalism and identity politics. In the run-up to the 2024 elections, the party is expected to invoke these sentiments, focusing on issues like the protection of Hindu traditions and cultural heritage. It may seek to consolidate its support base by raising issues such as the Uniform Civil Code, temple construction and review of certain constitutional provisions. However, striking a balance between cultural nationalism and social harmony will be crucial for the party's electoral fortunes. The construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya is in the final stages and it is likely to be inaugurated anytime in 2024 before the elections for maximum impact. Likewise, the issue of Uniform Civil Code, one of the cherished goals of the Sangh Parivar, has sneaked into public discourse.

However, the party is also likely to face certain roadblocks along the way to pull off a hat trick. Anti-incumbency for sure is going to be one of the major negatives it would have to deal with. Likewise, the grim economic scenario for the common man, unemployment, price rise, inflation and dismal performance of its various programmes could be major impediments to its free run.Given the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on India's economy, the BJP is likely to prioritise economic revival and development as core campaign issues. The party may highlight its previous initiatives, such as "Make in India" and "Digital India," and unveil new plans to boost infrastructure, employment generation and foreign investments. It may showcase its flagship initiatives such as Aayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana to highlight its commitment to uplifting the marginalised sections of society. Though many of its schemes like demonetisation may not have worked, it has successfully steered people's attention away from them. It could showcase implementation of policies like the GST to change the narrative. But should the Opposition rake up its embarrassments again, the BJP would have a tough time explaining.