That all leaders spoke on condition of anonymity speaks volumes about the awe the Modi-Shah duo garner among the cadres, as the two have a complete stranglehold over the party. Most of the probable challengers have been sidelined. Dissent has been crushed.

That explains why everyone, despite reservations about the party’s economic policies, is visibly upbeat about winning the upcoming state assembly elections. “Who had thought of the BJP winning with complete majority on its own at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh where it broke the stranglehold of caste-based regional parties?” asked an MP, adding, “How else can you explain the BJP ruling Bihar, Goa and Manipur where it wasn’t even the single largest party?”

“Sometimes you have to lose small battles to win a war,” commented another senior leader, adding that the party had clear vision and goals: