The assembly election results for Maharashtra and Jharkhand have sparked a wider debate on the role of welfare schemes, identity politics, and electoral strategies. As both the JMM-led government in Jharkhand and the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra emerge victorious, three crucial lessons stand out.
1. The Power of Welfare Schemes
Both Maharashtra and Jharkhand governments introduced cash transfer schemes targeting women before the elections, which proved to be a pivotal strategy. In Maharashtra, the Ladki Bahin scheme and Jharkhand’s Maiya Samman Yojana gained traction, mirroring similar successful schemes in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. As political analysts point out, welfare schemes, often labelled as “freebies” or “doles,” are now an integral part of electoral strategies across states, regardless of their economic status. The underprivileged voter expects tangible benefits, and governments are tapping into this demand to secure electoral victories.
2. Economic Pragmatism vs Fiscal Conservatism
Critics, including Prashant Kishor, argue that the 2024 interim budget’s lack of financial relief may hurt BJP’s election prospects. As Kishor observed, “The underclass expects government support in times of difficulty, and the 2024 budget missed this opportunity.”
3. Identity Politics: A Double-Edged Sword
In both Maharashtra and Jharkhand, identity-based politics played a critical role. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) successfully consolidated tribal votes, while the Shiv Sena’s ideological shift created internal rifts. Experts like political analyst Yogendra Yadav emphasize that identity-based projects must be consistent and rooted in the electorate’s needs. He noted, “You cannot force voters to accept ideologies that ignore their historical grievances.” The shift in Maharashtra, where BJP’s alliance outperformed the Shiv Sena, highlights the dangers of ideological inconsistency.
The recent results highlight that winning elections requires economic pragmatism, ideological consistency, and understanding voters’ needs, says Sanjay Kumar.
