BJP Should Learn to Accept Defeat Gracefully from Rishi Sunak

Victory and defeat are integral parts of elections and sports. One can only win if the other loses. Celebrating victory is easy, but accepting defeat gracefully is equally challenging.

Recently, in the three by-elections, Congress won two seats while BJP secured one.

In response to this defeat,  a   BJP state leader.claimed that Congress used money power and police force to secure their wins.

He alleged that representatives were intimidated and that money and alcohol were widely used in the elections. 

While I do not outright dismiss his allegations, it raises a question: Why were these accusations made only after the election results were announced?

If the BJP was aware of such malpractices, these issues should have been brought to light immediately after the voting.

Furthermore, if Congress could employ such tactics to win two seats, why couldn't they do the same in Hamirpur?

In my opinion,  BJP leaders who make such reactions should take a lesson from Rishi Sunak.

Last week, the Conservative Party, led by Sunak, faced defeat in the UK Parliament elections.

Despite the loss, Sunak remained humble. He addressed the voters, acknowledging their anger and taking responsibility for the defeat of his hardworking candidates.

He stated that the party would review the loss and prepare for the future. Sunak's gracious statement elevated his stature, even in defeat.

Although it can't be said that BJP suffered a significant setback in the Himachal Pradesh by-elections, they did increase their tally by three seats and won a Rajya Sabha seat.

However, due to their strategy, they faced disrepute for attempting to topple the elected government. 

They forced resignations from three independent MLAs, and making six MLAs former legislators. 

In my view, BJP needs to reassess its strategy and prepare itself for future challenges. 

That’s all for today.

(Writer: Mohinder Nath Sofat is a social media commentator)