Relief for middle class in poll season

The BJP shrank from 303 seats in the Lok Sabha in 2019 to 240 in 2024, and needed support from its allies to form the government for a third consecutive time.

A senior party functionary said the BJP’s electoral setbacks were “largely” on account of the Opposition’s “false campaign” around the Constitution but also “partly” because of the middle classes staying away.

“Voter apathy was partly attributed to the anger among the salaried classes who complained of less money in hand...But under the leadership of PM Modi, the government has addressed this concern, proving that the party has its ears to the ground,” the functionary said, requesting anonymity.