In Patna, Bihar, 27-year-old Sanjeev Kumar finds himself in a dire situation – unemployed and facing the impending retirement of his father, a car salesman. A business studies graduate, Kumar pinned his hopes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2019 elections, believing in the promise of millions of new jobs. Despite taking exams for Group D positions in the Indian Railways, Kumar was unsuccessful in securing a job and laments the lack of advertised positions compared to the actual availability.
As Bihar, India’s third-most populous state, goes to the polls in the ongoing national election, Kumar remains steadfast in his support for Modi, echoing a sentiment shared by many voters across the country. Despite concerns over inflation and a scarcity of jobs, a recent survey revealed that a majority of respondents plan to vote for the BJP.
While unemployment rates continue to rise under Modi’s rule, particularly among the youth, many voters in Bihar are swayed by the prime minister’s efforts to elevate India’s global standing. Kumar, like others, points to Modi’s initiatives such as the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the ban on “triple talaq” as reasons for his unwavering support.
For Aman Gupta, another 27-year-old job seeker in Bihar, Modi’s clean image, focus on digital innovation, and India’s international stature are key factors in his backing of the prime minister. Despite struggling to secure a government job, Gupta believes that only Modi can propel India to superpower status.
The BJP’s success in retaining support despite economic challenges can be attributed to its emphasis on branding Modi as the guarantor of progress. By centralizing political attribution on Modi, the BJP has managed to shield the prime minister from major consequences of economic distress or regional issues. This strategy, according to analysts, underscores the cult-like popularity of Modi and the party’s ability to weather challenges at the polls.
As India grapples with unemployment and economic concerns, voters like Kumar and Gupta continue to place their faith in Modi and the BJP, viewing the prime minister as the catalyst for a brighter future for the country.