How ultrabhakts are going from BJP’s asset to biggest headache

As the world’s largest political party, BJP has millions of fans in varying shades of saffron. There are those who vote for the party simply because they like its policies and leadership. Then come those who praise the BJP more often than they praise other parties. The next level is the bhakt, a much-used term that literally means devotee. The bhakts have full faith in the BJP to deliver what is best for the nation. Hence, even if there is a misstep, the bhakt will give BJP the benefit of doubt and believe the party will deliver in the end. Finally, there’s the ultrabhakt, the staunchest, loudest, and most aggressive of supporters. Right now, they seem to be the biggest problem for BJP.Ultrabhakts weren’t always a problem. They were an asset. For only the BJP had fans so devout and vocal. This loyal, militant fan base was the envy of other parties for these ultrabhakts were not only voters, but also free salespeople and cheerleaders who helped amplify the party’s message. They also made the party leadership feel like invincible rockstars. We all love praise, and ultrabhakts dole it out in spades for free. However, the problem is when the party starts to believe that it’s perfect and can do no wrong. Remember yesteryear movie stars who had rabid fans? The adulation reached a level where they couldn’t think straight. All this remains relatively harmless when the going is good. However, when there is a crisis (and life is never without a crisis), ultrabhakts become a liability. mediumhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KkaN4wE810Since the June election results, the political arithmetic of the land has reconfigured. BJP remains the biggest, dominant party in the nation by seats and vote share. It is far from defeated but it has seen declines, unexpected setbacks, partial loss of the public opinion narrative and is now in a coalition govt. To restore BJP to the high standards set by them requires a period of circumspection, humility, difficult conversations, re-connecting with voters, and obtaining a full picture of what is really going on. BJP needs to adapt, to cater to the current-day voter. This is a difficult, slow, and painful process.However, clueless ultrabhakts are jumping into this process and getting upset about their dear party being examined. They start abusing, shaming, ridiculing, and attacking anyone who attempts to give the party genuine feedback on social media, TV, or any other forum. ShowQuotesThis article is written with a sense of concern and caring towards BJP, one of our leading political parties. However, almost certainly, the author of this piece will be attacked for suggesting introspection and singing anything other than praise for the party. And given the way social media algorithms work, their extreme voice gets most visibility on social media, drowning out all sane feedback. And what do the ultrabhakts want? Quite the opposite of humility and introspection. They would rather BJP double down extra hard on its opponents and anyone who does not vote for them. The ultrabhakts, believe it or not, have a huge problem with the BJP’s inclusive slogan ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’. Ultrabhakts believe the party should only work for its voters and tell everybody else to get lost. They also feel anyone giving feedback to the party is motivated, stupid, jealous, or evil and deserves abuse. Some way to come out of a crisis!Hopefully, BJP’s senior leadership realises these limitations. While loyal as hell, they cannot be taken seriously to resolve a crisis. BJP can occasionally acknowledge and soothe the ultrabhakts’ feelings, but the real action plan to get BJP vote share back up should not come from them. Instead, it is time now for BJP to turn to their normal, rational supporters. People who care for the party, even if they have critical feedback. In terms of specific and actionable things to do, BJP would do well to reshuffle some spokespersons and social media managers with people who have a more humble, curious, and receptive-to-feedback personality. BJP’s biggest strength, which brought them to a third term in office, isn’t rigidity, it is adaptability.Meanwhile, some advice for ultrabhakts, even though they are unlikely to read this (or anything in general). Do some self-inquiry, refresh your social media feeds, and the people you follow, to have a diverse set of views. More than anything, find a purpose in life other than trolling.