SET FOR A ONE-SIDED SHOWDOWN

FRESH FROM ITS ASSEMBLY POLL WIN, THE BJP IS EYEING A HAT TRICK OF CLEAN SWEEPS. A CHASTENED CONGRESS IS MOUNTING A CHALLENGE PEGGED TO REALISTIC GOALS. WHAT IT CONFRONTS IS THE MODI FACTOR

- ROHIT PARIHAR

AS PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI BARNSTORMS ACROSS RAJASTHAN ahead of the Lok Sabha election, there is a striking change in his demeanour. Gone is the stern, stoic figure that spearheaded the Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign during the assembly election a mere six months ago. Back then, Modi maintained an impeccably sombre mien, eschewing even the most perfunctory of greetings to those sharing the dais. It was a studied aloofness to avoid any hint of favouritism amidst the jostling ambitions of the state's political heavyweights. But now, a distinctly more relaxed Modi exhibits an animated canvas of smiles and warmth as he engages freely with the local leaders, even welcoming their company during road shows and rallies.

Led by Modi, the BJP had defeated the ruling Congress in the assembly election held last November. The comfortable majority it cornered has further cemented the party's position in the desert state, where it had a clean sweep in the past two Lok Sabha elections-alone in 2014 and with then ally Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) in 2019. And yet again, the party has rallied its forces around a singular figure: Narendra Modi. As the PM seeks a third term, his persona looms large, with votes being actively solicited under the banner of his leadership and for an emphatic mandate. While Union home minister Amit Shah has masterminded the overarching strategy and candidate selection, it is Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma who is spearheading the on-ground offensive. In just about a month, he has led 60-odd rallies and road shows, his itinerary punctuated by visits to sacred shrines. Alongside the CM, deputy chief minister Diya Kumari is an indefatigable presence, attending two to three election events daily.