Assam, January 18, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)had become the “first choice of everyone” in India, pointing to a string of electoral victories in states including Maharashtra, Kerala, and Bihar as evidence of the party’s growing nationwide popularity.
Addressing a public rally in Assam, Modi remarked that over the past one to one-and-a-half years, voter confidence in the BJP had consistently increased, reflecting the party’s expanding footprint in regions beyond its traditional strongholds. “People have given us faith because of development, governance, and effective policies,” the Prime Minister asserted, underscoring what he described as a shift in public perception toward the BJP.
Bihar: Record Mandate and Growing Public Faith
Modi cited the recent Bihar assembly elections as a prime example of the BJP’s growing mandate, claiming that voters had given the party a record level of public support. He described the outcome as a clear signal that the party’s governance model and development initiatives were resonating with the electorate.
According to the Prime Minister, these results demonstrate that public faith in the BJP is not limited to traditional bastions but has steadily expanded across states, making the party a natural choice for a wider spectrum of citizens.
Historic Victory in Maharashtra: BJP Breaks Thackeray Hold in Mumbai
Turning to urban local body elections in Maharashtra, Modi highlighted the results of the recently concluded Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, declaring the outcome a “historic mandate.” For the first time, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party in one of the world’s largest municipal corporations.
In the 227-member BMC, the BJP won 89 seats, defeating the long-standing influence of the Shiv Sena under the Thackeray family. Meanwhile, the Congress, despite its historical roots in Mumbai, secured only 24 seats, relegating the party to a distant fourth or fifth position in the city.
“Congress has lost the faith of the country because it has no development agenda,” Modi said, taking a pointed swipe at the party. He emphasized that voters are now placing greater trust in the BJP due to its focus on governance, urban development, and efficient administration.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the performance of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, noting that despite the BJP emerging as the single-largest party, the alliance dynamics in Mumbai’s civic body highlighted the importance of coalition politics in urban governance.
Kerala: BJP Makes Inroads in Thiruvananthapuram
Modi then turned to the southern state of Kerala, where the BJP achieved a historic milestone in municipal elections. In a significant political development, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) wrested control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, ending 45 years of Left Democratic Front (LDF) dominance in the city’s civic administration.
In the 101-member corporation, the NDA secured 50 wards, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF)managed just 19, the LDF captured 29, and the remaining two went to other parties. Modi hailed the victory as an indication of the party’s ability to connect with voters in regions traditionally dominated by opposition parties, demonstrating the BJP’s growing national appeal.
“This is not just a win in one city; it is a symbol of the people’s faith in development and governance. Kerala has given a clear message that good governance is recognized and rewarded,” Modi said.
National Perspective: BJP as First Choice
The Prime Minister framed these electoral outcomes as part of a broader narrative in which the BJP has become the preferred choice of voters across India. He stressed that the party’s growth is not accidental but reflects a sustained effort to deliver infrastructure, welfare schemes, and urban development, which resonates with citizens across demographic and regional lines.
Modi also noted that the party’s performance in urban municipal polls, state assembly elections, and local governance bodies is an important indicator of public sentiment. “From north to south, east to west, people are showing faith in policies that prioritize growth, urban development, and citizen-centric governance,” he said.
Political Context and Opposition Performance
The rally remarks also carried implicit comparisons with opposition parties, particularly the Congress. Modi criticized the Congress for failing to present a compelling development agenda in Maharashtra, Kerala, and Bihar, suggesting that voters are increasingly turning to the BJP for strong leadership and visible governance.
In Maharashtra, the Congress’ decline was particularly stark. Once the city’s dominant political force, the party’s paltry 24-seat tally in the BMC indicates a loss of influence even in its historic stronghold. Meanwhile, the BJP’s gains in cities such as Mumbai reinforce the party’s narrative of being capable of delivering results at the grassroots and municipal levels.
In Kerala, the BJP’s historic win in Thiruvananthapuram also marks a shift in voter sentiment. Traditionally dominated by the LDF and UDF, Kerala’s civic politics are now witnessing a competitive realignment, with the BJP establishing a foothold in a state long considered challenging for the party.
Conclusion: BJP’s Expanding Footprint
Prime Minister Modi concluded by asserting that the BJP’s performance in recent elections underscores a nationwide trend in which voters are prioritizing governance, development, and accountability. He portrayed the party as the first choice across states, citing Maharashtra, Kerala, and Bihar as examples of the electorate rewarding the BJP for delivering on promises.
“These electoral victories are not just numbers; they represent public trust in policies that promote development, urban renewal, and welfare for all sections of society,” Modi said. He emphasized that the party remains committed to serving citizens and reinforcing India’s democratic framework through efficient governance and transparent administration.
With these wins, the BJP’s narrative of being the preferred choice for citizens across the country gains momentum, setting the stage for the party’s continued political influence at both state and local levels in 2026 and beyond.
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