Dec 3, 2023, 09:04 PM IST
The predominantly Hindi-speaking states in central, western and northern states, namely, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana states.
Together, these states constitute 204 seats in Lok Sabha, or House of the People directly elected by the people. A winning coalition needs 272 seats in Lok Sabha to win. The BJP is the most dominant force in these states and the current election results have expanded their footprint.
The BJP under Modi has proactively focused on women voters, and have specifically spoken about women-centric welfare schemes during elections. This, the psephologists say, has broken India's traditional caste or religion based voting pattern and has pushed BJP to emerge as one of India's most successful political parties.
Prime Minister Modi remains the most popular leader in these Hindi-speaking states. In an increasingly presidential functioning of India's parliamentary democracy, the opposition has struggled to come up with a face to rival Modi.
The opposition has reacted to the purported shortcomings of the Modi government at centre instead of being proactive to the issues faced by people.