The BJP has been leveraging the issue of 'parivarvaad' (dynastic rule) to criticize regional parties, which it claims are more susceptible to splits. Ironically, recent divisions within family-run parties have indirectly benefited the BJP electorally in various states.
Since 2019, parties led by prominent families such as the Paswans in Bihar, the Chautalas in Haryana, and the Pawars in Maharashtra have experienced internal divisions. Splinter groups from these parties have allied with the BJP, bolstering its presence and even aiding it in forming governments, as witnessed in Haryana and Maharashtra.
The latest instance is the split within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), with Shibu Soren's daughter-in-law, Sita Soren, joining the BJP. This development could provide the BJP with a strategic advantage in Jharkhand, where it lacks a strong foothold.
Similarly, in Bihar and Maharashtra, internal family disputes have dominated political headlines. For instance, after the demise of veteran leader Ram Vilas Paswan, his party, the LJP, witnessed a split, with his brother and nephew forming a separate faction. The BJP, which had previously supported one faction, shifted its allegiance to the other, recognizing the split's political ramifications.
In Maharashtra, a similar rift occurred within the NCP, with Ajit Pawar's faction aligning with the NDA. This division has provided the BJP with an opportunity to strengthen its position in the state, especially in regions where it lacks significant influence.
The BJP's success in leveraging splits within family-run parties highlights the volatility of dynastic politics and its potential electoral implications. As political dynasties fracture, the BJP stands to gain politically, as evidenced by its electoral victories and coalition formations in states like Haryana and Maharashtra.
