The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to abandon the ‘Abki Baar 400 Paar’ (This Time Surpassing 400; referring to the ambition of winning more than 400 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha) formula for the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana, scheduled for October. Instead, the BJP high command has set a target of winning 60 seats, two-thirds of the total 90 seats in the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated this target during a detailed state executive meeting in Panchkula on Saturday.
In the past, the BJP has attempted the Paar formula twice but fell short both times. In the 2019 assembly elections, despite aiming to win over 75 seats, the BJP secured only 40. However, they managed to form a government with support from the JJP. Similarly, during the last Lok Sabha elections, the BJP aimed for 400 seats nationwide but did not achieve this goal.
In Haryana, the BJP had targeted winning all ten Lok Sabha seats but secured only five. Out of the 90 assembly seats, the BJP won 44, while Congress won 46. Consequently, the BJP has revised its strategy for the upcoming assembly elections.
The new goal is to win 60 seats independently. Workers have been instructed to emphasise the party’s achievements and criticise Congress. A slogan promoting a third consecutive BJP government in Haryana was introduced, and workers will campaign door-to-door to spread this message.
During the meeting, held in two sessions, leaders and workers also emphasised loyalty and discipline. Co-in-charge Biplab Deb engaged directly with the workers, asking them to show their support for forming the government in Haryana for the third time, to which all workers responded affirmatively by raising both hands.
Deb further encouraged the workers to commit to accepting party decisions regarding ticket distribution. He highlighted the importance of unity and loyalty to the party, urging workers to avoid internal discord and resentment.
Key strategies for BJP:
Emphasising the slogan “Father-son party” against Haryana Congress
Highlighting the strong organisational structure of the BJP compared to the Congress
Promoting job allocations based on merit
Leveraging the Modi government’s achievements at the centre to promise development
Addressing regionalism, casteism, and corruption as key issues
