BJP Bestows Bharat Ratna On Five: Decoding The Political Message

In an election year, every action taken by the ruling party is scrutinized for its political implications. This is particularly apparent with the recent announcement by the BJP of Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, being bestowed upon five individuals this year, the highest number in any single year.

Former Prime Ministers P V Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh and Indian agricultural scientist Swaminathan will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. In addition to it, former India's deputy PM LK Advani and Karpoori Thakur will be bestowed with India's highest civilian award.

Decoding the political message
With the elections around the corner, the BJP is leaving no stone unturned to score brownie points to win more votes. It is evident after the RLD boss Jayant Chaudhary, grandson Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, hinted at joining the NDA alliance as the BJP government made the big announcement.

"What previous governments could not do was today completed by PM Modi's vision. I would like to once again express my gratitude to PM Modi's government for encouraging people who aren't part of the mainstream. It is a big day... and an emotional moment for me," Chaudhary said.

Political analysts believe that Modi is strategically refreshing the electorate's memory about his fight against the Nehru-Gandhi family, thereby reinforcing the BJP's narrative regarding the Congress.

Likewise, former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao was disowned by the Congress. Although he was known for liberalising the Indian economy, the the Nehru-Gandhi family was not happy with him over the way he handled the Babri Masjid demolotion incident. His body was not given allowed to be kept at the AICC office after his demise.

The people of Andhra were not happy with the treatment meted out to Rao. By honouring Rao, the BJP trying to woo the people of Andhra.

The awarding of the Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur, an icon in social justice and former chief minister of Bihar, demonstrates the BJP's effort to connect with backward communities. Shortly after announcing the Bharat Ratna for Thakur, Nitish Kumar ditched the Congress-RJD alliance and returned to the NDA fold.

Similarly, honoring LK Advani, acknowledges his contribution to the cause of building the Ram Temple.

By honouring Swaminathan, renowned for his pivotal role in the Green Revolution, the BJP is sending a message to the farming community. was instrumental in developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, which significantly increased food grain production across India during the 1960s and 1970s. He is credited with helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernising Indian agriculture.

It has to be noted that he is kept in high regard in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where the BJP is trying hard to leave its footprints.