BJP Predicted to Outperform Previous Elections, Says Renowned Economist Surjit Bhalla
New Delhi, 21st April 2024: Renowned economist and political analyst Surjit Bhalla has presented a compelling outlook for the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections, suggesting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may surpass its previous performance. In an interview with NDTV, Bhalla, author of the insightful book ‘How We Vote,’ projected that the BJP could secure a significant number of seats ranging between 330 to 350, potentially surpassing its 2019 polls achievement. Emphasizing statistical trends, he highlighted the likelihood of a notable increase of five to seven per cent in the BJP’s seat tally compared to the last election cycle.
While Bhalla acknowledged the potential for a “wave election,” he also cautioned that such a scenario is not guaranteed. He underscored the pivotal role of economic factors and leadership appeal in shaping electoral outcomes, noting that both aspects currently favour the BJP over the Opposition.
Regarding the Opposition’s performance, Bhalla forecasted a modest outcome for the Congress, estimating a possible securing of 44 seats, slightly lower than its 2014 performance. He attributed this projection partly to the lack of cohesive leadership within the Opposition alliance, which he believes diminishes its competitiveness against the BJP.
In an unexpected twist, Bhalla suggested a potential breakthrough for the BJP in traditionally challenging regions like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, foreseeing the party clinching several seats in these areas. This prediction challenges conventional electoral dynamics, hinting at evolving political landscapes and the BJP’s expanding influence beyond its traditional strongholds.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed Bhalla’s optimism, expressing confidence in the BJP’s increasing vote share in southern states like Telangana and projecting a rise in seats for the party in the upcoming elections. Modi’s sentiments align with Bhalla’s assessment of shifting electoral trends, particularly in regions where the BJP historically faced limited success.
