Shah's strategic leadership: BJP's key to victory in Delhi polls

The Delhi Assembly elections presented a unique challenge for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), especially given its absence from power in the city since 1998.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

A major hurdle for the BJP was the absence of a strong local face, which could have undermined the party's appeal. However, this turned out to be a boon in disguise.

Home minister Amit Shah, whose election management and organizational skills were recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the two were starting out their respective political careers in Gujarat, shifted the focus from local leaders to a broader, more powerful national narrative, positioning the election as a contest for Delhi's future, where voters weren't just choosing local representatives—they were voting for Modi, Shah, and the central BJP. This strategy allowed the BJP to nationalize the campaign and gain broader support.