Understanding the BJP's Self-Perception in Indian Politics

Indian politics is a complex and ever-evolving landscape, with each political party having its own unique strengths and weaknesses. One of the most prominent parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), often faces criticism for its leaders’ self-perception that they are the best and other parties are inferior. This article delves into the reasons behind the BJP's self-assured stance, the dynamics of coalition governments, and the complex nature of Indian politics.

Why BJP Leaders Believe They Are the Best

The belief that BJP leaders are the best cannot be solely attributed to their party's leadership. It is a reflection of their strategy to present themselves as the sole solution to India's problems. According to the BJP, their agenda is to transform India into a superpower, and they believe that no other party can achieve this. Common phrases at BJP rallies reinforce this perception, such as, 'Vikas ki ganga bahaa denge, ye congressi, ye samajwadi waale, ye daliton ke rakshak sirf lootney ke liye satta me aana chahte hain.' (They will light the river of development, while the Congress, Samajwadi, and Dalit leaders only aim for power by looting).

Inter-Party Dynamics and Greed

One key aspect of Indian politics that cannot be ignored is the cross-partisan behavior seen among leaders. Leaders from various parties often view each other unfavorably, and these perceptions are not always accurate. It is not uncommon for parties to form coalitions to come to power, which further exacerbates the perception of temporary alliances and enmity. The BJP has not been an exception in this regard, with a history of forming coalitions in states like Bihar (BJP-JDU) and Uttar Pradesh (SP-BSP-INC).

The Reality of Political Behavior

Perhaps one of the reasons for the BJP's self-assured stance lies in the often controversial nature of political behavior. The statement that 'not only BJP leaders, but every leader thinks they are the best or consider others to be bad' is a common phenomenon. Leaders from all parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and others, exhibit the same behavior. It is part of the political gameplay where leaders aim to highlight their strengths and shortcomings of the opposition.

For instance, how many times have we heard Rahul Gandhi explain the weaknesses of the Congress or Arvind Kejriwal elucidate the misdeeds of the AAP? The answer is relatively few. Similarly, the left-wing has been known for their advocacy but seldom condemn the student wing's actions. These are part of the political narrative, and even former U.S. President Barack Obama did the same when defending his government's actions.

The Impact of Public Perception

The public's pro-BJP temperament is another critical aspect of the BJP's self-perception. While the opposition tries to highlight the flaws and misdeeds of the BJP, the party continues to enjoy significant support from the public. This support is evident in the effectiveness of BJP leaders in presenting their agenda to the people and creating a narrative that aligns with their vision for a better India.

With such a strong mandate in recent years, the BJP has little reason to worry about public perception. Their ability to form coalitions and present a united front further strengthens their position. However, this does not mean that they are perfect or that every action they take is blameless. It simply means that in the current political climate, they have the advantage of public support and can continue to shape the narrative in their favor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the perception that BJP leaders think they are the best is deeply rooted in the party's strategy and the complex dynamics of Indian politics. While they do exhibit a similar behavior to other parties in highlighting their own strengths and the perceived weaknesses of their opposition, the public's support and the benefits of coalitions enable the BJP to continue its journey towards its stated goal of transforming India into a superpower.