S Jaishankar Responds to Challenge on BJP Election Predictions at NDTV Battleground
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, speaking at NDTV’s special show “Battleground” with Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Pugalia, expressed confidence that the ruling BJP will surpass its 2019 Lok Sabha poll performance. He attributed this to pro-incumbency sentiments in several states and growing support in areas traditionally not strongholds for the BJP.
When asked to speculate on the BJP’s tally in the ongoing elections, Dr. Jaishankar refrained from providing specific numbers, leaving that to the experts. However, he noted, “I’ve had numerous public interactions during this election. The support base is very solid, and people are showing pro-incumbency in several states. I visited Kerala and Telangana multiple times last year—states not traditionally aligned with the BJP—and sensed an emerging energy there. The trend is very positive, and based on my experience, I believe our numbers will increase.”
Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that the BJP’s expectations of strong performance in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and West Bengal are well-founded. He described the BJP as a “professional” party that bases its strategies on thorough analysis rather than guesswork. “We analyze at the booth level and move upwards. When we predict seat numbers, a lot of thought has gone into it. Prime Minister Modi’s target numbers are not random; they are carefully considered. In several states, we will maintain our position, and in states like Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, we expect to increase our seats,” he explained.
As a Rajya Sabha member, Dr. Jaishankar has played a crucial role in representing India’s stance on international platforms during a turbulent geopolitical period. The BJP’s campaign for a third consecutive term prominently features India’s handling of international conflicts and the government’s efforts to safely repatriate Indians stranded in war zones.
