BRICS Summit Success Lifts BJP's Confidence Ahead of Key Electoral Battles
The BJP is banking on the successful BRICS summit to counter recent political setbacks and sharpen its attack on the Opposition.
The successful hosting of the BRICS summit has provided a significant boost to the confidence of the government and the ruling BJP, which is now preparing to leverage the diplomatic achievement in the political arena. The event, held within three years of India hosting the G20, is being viewed by the party as a major accomplishment that reinforces the country's standing on the global stage.
The summit's joint statement, issued despite internal differences among member nations, is being hailed as a testament to Indian diplomacy. It included a strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and expressed support for India's bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council, with backing from Russia and China. Other notable outcomes included discussions on ending the Russia-Ukraine war, a rare meeting between the UAE and Iran on the sidelines, and a warm reception for the Iranian president.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained at the centre of the three-day event, holding bilateral talks with 15 heads of state or government. His meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian drew particular international attention. This marks the third consecutive year of a bilateral meeting between Modi and the Chinese president.
The diplomatic success comes after a challenging period for the government, which faced political headwinds following protests over the NEET paper leak, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and a washed-out monsoon session of Parliament. The Opposition Congress has welcomed the BRICS declaration, though with some reservations.
According to BJP leaders, the summit's success will be prominently highlighted during the month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' beginning on September 17, which coincides with PM Modi's birthday and the completion of 25 years of his public service on October 7. The party has also begun targeting the Congress over its pre-summit criticism, including a statement by former finance minister P Chidambaram questioning India's gains from the event. The BJP is also mocking the Opposition's focus on the all-vegetarian menu at the gala dinner, suggesting that the lack of substantive criticism is itself a measure of the summit's success.
Meanwhile, attention has shifted to the government's next legislative move regarding the Delimitation Bill. Parliament has not yet been prorogued, keeping open the possibility of a special session to pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill on delimitation. A potential reshuffle of the Council of Ministers is also being viewed in this context. The BJP has begun preparations for assembly elections in five states scheduled for early next year.