February 27, 1990
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The 1990 state assembly elections arrived like a second wave after the Lok Sabha storm, testing Bharatiya Pragati (BP)'s ability to convert national momentum into regional dominance.
Raj Mehra had prepared meticulously. BP's 85 Lok Sabha seats and coalition leverage gave it credibility; UFT's rural prosperity, Bata's affordability, Luxmi Bank's credit, and the Shiv Temple's cultural resonance created a voter base that was both loyal and visible. The party contested aggressively in multiple states, but Maharashtra and Rajasthan were the crown jewels—strongholds of UFT networks and pilgrim influence.
In the Mumbai war room the night before polls, Raj gathered his inner circle: Suraj Patel (Luxmi and Pragarti operations), Arjun Das (ASUR command), Priya (Bata CEO, now mother to 2-month-old Riya), Jyoti (Mehra Book House lead, supporting from home), Kishanlal Menon (Bata chairman, family patriarch), Ravi Sharma (TBF editor-in-chief), and Vikram Singh (BP's Rural Development Minister in the center).
Raj pointed to the election maps. "Maharashtra: 220 candidates. Rajasthan: 150. We've got UFT at 150 villages in Maharashtra, 50 in Gujarat—profits from last seasons are turning farmers into BP workers. Ravi, your front-page stories on 'Prosperity in Every Village' are doing the job."
Ravi nodded proudly. "Circulation up 18% in rural Maharashtra. Farmers read about 50% yield boosts, zero-interest loans, Bata shoes on their feet—they credit BP."
Priya added, "Our stores in villages are packed—people wear Bata to vote for BP. Ads say 'Walk Toward Progress.'"
Arjun Das: "Security's ironclad. ASUR shadows rallies, no disruptions from rivals."
Vikram Singh: "Central ministry funds—300 crore for rural pilots—flowed straight to BP areas. Voters see new roads, wells, jobs."
Raj's tone was firm. "We win rural hearts, we win states."
Polls opened February 27. BP's campaign—slogans like "Kisan Ki Pragati, Desh Ki Pragati"—resonated amid inflation, drought remnants, and anti-Congress sentiment.
Results began March 2, final by March 10.
**Maharashtra (288 seats)**
BP contested 220 seats and won 65:
- 40 in Marathwada/Vidarbha (UFT farmer strongholds)
- 15 in western Maharashtra urban pockets
- 10 scattered rural seats
Congress slipped to 110 (anti-incumbency from Bofors echoes, Sharad Pawar weakened). Shiv Sena 50, BJP 30, independents/others 33.
No majority. Raj called a midnight meeting. "Suraj, negotiate with independents—promise rural funds. Arjun, secure the talks."
Suraj reported back: "15 independents on board—total 80. Alliance with small parties pushes to 145. Vikram as CM?"
Raj agreed. "Yes. Full control over rural schemes—UFT national model. Home portfolio for our nominee—anti-terror laws strengthened."
Vikram, on speaker: "Boss, done. Swearing-in next week."
BP formed Maharashtra government—its first full state.
**Congress reaction**: "BP's alliances are opportunistic—rural promises won't last. They're buying votes with shoes and loans."
**Shiv Sena**: "They stole our urban votes with fancy ads and temple talk."
**BJP**: "Good for anti-Congress front, but watch their cultural soft-pedaling—we'll outshine them next time."
**Rajasthan (200 seats)**
BP contested 150 seats and won 45:
- 25 in Jaipur/Udaipur pilgrim belts (temple symbolism)
- 20 in rural districts (Bata networks + drought relief promises)
BJP 60, Congress 65, independents/others 30—hung assembly.
Raj to Arjun Singh (Home Minister): "Ally with BJP—offer Culture and Rural Ministries."
Arjun: "Shekhawat as CM, our nominee Deputy. Concessions: temple protections, UFT pilots in desert districts."
BP joined Rajasthan coalition—stable government under Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, BP influencing policy.
**BJP reaction**: "Strong alliance against Congress corruption—BP brings fresh rural ideas."
**Congress**: "BP's entry dilutes Rajasthan's traditions—they're Mumbai outsiders buying pilgrims."
**Others**: "Watch their rural monopolies—they'll control the desert next."
**Other States Performance**
- **Gujarat (182 seats)**: BP won 35 (UFT spillover + Bata urban). BJP 70, Congress 60, independents/others 17. BP coalition partner with BJP—gains Rural Ministry.
BJP: "Synergy on development." Congress: "BP buying votes with cheap shoes."
- **Madhya Pradesh (320 seats)**: BP 40 (temple belts + UFT pilots). Congress 150, BJP 80, independents/others 50. BP kingmaker in hung house—supports BJP, gets Home portfolio.
BJP: "Grateful for stability." Congress: "BP's interference will backfire."
- **Bihar (324 seats)**: BP 30 (rural gains). JD 140, Congress 70, BJP 50, independents/others 34. BP strong opposition, influencing anti-corruption probes.
JD: "Useful ally against Congress." Congress: "BP's propaganda won't fool Bihar."
- **Orissa (147 seats)**: BP 25. Congress 80, JD 40, BJP 20, independents/others 22. BP alliance role with JD—gains development funds.
JD: "BP brings fresh ideas." Congress: "Their temple politics won't work here."
BP's overall state tally: 240+ seats, membership 6 lakh. The party was no longer a national upstart—it was a state-level force.
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