The BJP’s target of winning at least 370 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections is not a “randomly mentioned number,” according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. In an interview with NDTV, Jaishankar emphasized that the target has been carefully considered and is part of a well-thought-out strategy.
“You (interviewer) have said that the 370 target is a ‘slogan.’ Some thought has gone into it (achieving the target). I don’t think PM Modi has ever mentioned a number randomly,” Jaishankar explained. He outlined the party’s approach to achieving this ambitious goal, stating that the BJP plans to maintain its position in several states and increase its seats in others, including West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
When asked how the BJP expects to perform well in states that are not its traditional strongholds, Jaishankar responded, “The BJP is a professional party and does not rely on guesswork. We analyze at the booth level and move upwards. When we say we will get this number of seats in this state, a lot of thought has gone into it.”
The BJP’s 370+ target has often been linked to the Modi government’s abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. This legislation, which granted “special status” to J&K, was revoked, and the state was reorganized into two Union territories: J&K and Ladakh, shortly after Modi’s re-election for a second term.
Overall, the BJP aims to win over 400 seats with its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Achieving this would mark the party’s third straight single-party majority and a hat trick of terms for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections began on April 19, with the final round of polling scheduled for June 1. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.
