The BJP understandably wants to go in for early polls and cash in on what is left of the ‘Modi Wave’ before the Opposition comes up with a charismatic leader good enough to take on the man from Gujarat. But the Sangh Parivar is wary of the 2004 experience.
Under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the NDA coalition lasted a full five years from 1999-2004 and the mood in the country was one of optimism and positivity.
The middle class benefitted largely and against the advice of the Sangh Parivar, Vajpayee went in for early polls.
The campaign of the BJP was titled ‘India Shining’. Vajpayee is the only leader till date who could even overrule the Sangh Parivar as he was a beloved leader. But shockingly, the NDA lost the election and UPA came to stay for 9 years.
The prosperity of the middle class had widened the gulf between them and the poorer sections of society and the latter voted in favour of the Congress.
This bitter experience of 2004 is still weighing heavily in the minds of the BJP and will be the primary reason if they choose not to go in for early polls.
