This article explains how voting and politics in Haryana, India, are shifting because of social and cultural changes. It focuses on how the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) has adapted to these changes to gain support, especially across different caste groups, while the Congress party struggles to keep up. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the main points in very simple terms:

1. Elections Aren’t Just About Numbers Anymore: In the past, experts treated elections as a numbers game, trying to predict results based on data and statistics. But now, winning an election is about understanding how society is changing and adjusting strategies to connect with what people care about today.
2. BJP’s Strategy in Haryana: In Haryana, the BJP used a smart strategy to win. They managed to create a divide where most castes united against the Jats, the powerful caste in the state. This approach worked because of a changing view: many poorer communities believe only the wealthy can afford to protest. For example, during recent farmers’ protests led by Jats, some poorer people noticed Jat farmers had air conditioners and generators at the protest sites. This made them feel that protesting is something only the privileged can do.
3. Economic Programs and Jobs: Many people from lower castes and poorer backgrounds support BJP’s job programs, such as the Agniveer scheme. Even though the jobs only last four years, people feel that these opportunities are more open and fair. In contrast, during Congress’s time, jobs were often permanent but felt unfairly given to well-connected or higher-caste people. Though the jobs under the BJP are temporary, people appreciate the wider access to these positions.
4. Inclusion vs. Equality: The BJP has promoted a feeling of togetherness and unity among different castes, especially upper and lower groups. This has helped people feel included in society. However, this focus on cultural unity hasn’t solved the problem of economic inequality. Many people now feel a part of society without thinking as much about whether they have the same financial security or opportunities as others.
5. What Educated Voters Think: Educated people in towns and cities view the BJP as a party that brings change. They believe that the BJP is setting the mood of the country, creating strong emotions around its actions, rather than just responding to what people want. This makes the BJP feel powerful and influential.
6. BJP’s Strong Organization: The BJP has a strong support system, backed by its connection to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is a large and dedicated group. The BJP campaigns constantly, reaching out to people even when there isn’t an election. This is different from Congress, which often waits until just before elections to get active. Congress sometimes looks more democratic because it’s less structured, but this also makes it look less organized and effective compared to the BJP’s approach.
7. Last-Minute Election Tactics: The BJP uses smart tactics right before elections, like changing leaders who aren’t popular, managing complaints by using influence or money, and sponsoring independent candidates to split the Congress vote. Congress is an older party with established groups, so it can be slower and less flexible than the BJP.
8. From Expecting Favors to Following Strong Leaders: In the past, people supported parties expecting something in return, like jobs or benefits (known as “patronage politics”). Now, people seem willing to follow strong leaders, even if it means giving up some independence. While many welcome the end of “patronage” politics, they may not realize that depending on one strong party or leader comes with risks.

In summary, the BJP’s success in Haryana shows how they’ve adjusted to social changes. They understand what people want across different groups and build a sense of unity and belonging that attracts support from a wide range of communities. Congress, on the other hand, has struggled to connect with these social changes and cannot keep up with the BJP’s highly organized and targeted approach.

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