Northeast gives thumbs up to BJP, party wins in Tripura and Nagaland

The BJP’s victory in Tripura can be attributed to several factors, including its focus on development, infrastructure, and job creation. The party’s campaign in the state also highlighted its efforts to bring peace and stability to the region. Additionally, the BJP’s alliance with Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), a tribal-based party, helped it gain support from the indigenous people of the state.

Hung assembly in Meghalaya: In the 59 seats that went to polls in Meghalaya, incumbent Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s National People’s Party (NPP) has won 22 and is leading on 4 seats. The BJP has won two seats.

In the 60 member Nagaland assembly, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP)has won 25 seats while it’s ally BJP has won 12, as per data from the Election Commission of India.

Here are five takeaways from the BJP’s victory in Tripura:

1. Breaks Left Front’s long-standing dominance: The BJP’s victory in Tripura marks the end of the 25-year-long rule of the Left Front in the state. The BJP’s success in breaking the Left’s dominance in Tripura indicates a shift in voter preferences and political landscape in the state.
2. Expands BJP’s footprint in the Northeast: With this victory, the BJP has now formed the government in three northeastern states, including Assam, Manipur, and Tripura. The party’s growing influence in the region is part of its larger strategy to expand its base beyond its traditional strongholds in northern and western India.
3. Strengthens BJP’s position for 2019 general elections: The BJP’s victory in Tripura is significant as it strengthens the party’s position in the run-up to the 2019 general elections. The party’s success in breaking the Left’s stronghold in Tripura could have a ripple effect on other northeastern states as well.
4. Boosts prospects of BJP’s allies in the region: The BJP’s alliance with Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) helped the party gain support from the indigenous people of the state. The BJP’s success in Tripura could boost the prospects of its allies in the region, who are largely based on ethnic and regional identity.
5. Demonstrates BJP’s campaign strategy: The BJP’s campaign in Tripura focused on development, infrastructure, and job creation. The party’s emphasis on these issues resonated with the people of the state, leading to its victory. This victory is a testament to the BJP’s campaign strategy, which has been successful in other parts of the country as well.

#WATCH | Celebrations begin at Meghalaya CM and National People's Party (NPP) chief Conrad Sangma's residence in Shillong.

As per official EC trends, the party has won 6 and is leading on 19 of the total 59 seats in fray. #MeghalayaElections2023 pic.twitter.com/suFhQPB0Fz

— ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2023

The BJP’s success in these states is significant as it represents the emergence of the peripheries as the new mainstream. The party’s growing influence in the region is part of its larger strategy to expand its base beyond its traditional strongholds in northern and western India. It also reflects the changing dynamics of politics in the country, where regional parties are no longer able to hold onto power as easily as they could in the past.

Overall, the electoral story from the northeastern states is a reflection of the changing political landscape in the country and could have far-reaching implications for the region’s future.

The Congress-Left alliance in Tripura faced similar challenges, including differences in ideology and approach. While the Left had a strong presence in the state, the Congress had been struggling to make inroads. The alliance’s inability to put up a united front and coordinate their campaign effectively may have contributed to their failure to dislodge the BJP from power.