Since the 1990s, the BJP has steadily acquired a critical base among Hindus in a majority of states. 6 min read May 8, 2026 11:50 AM IST First published on: May 8, 2026 at 11:29 AM IST From anti-incumbency to the nebulous desires of Gen Z, many factors appear to be in demand for explaining what happened in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Besides these factors, there is the argument that each state tells its own story. So, the analytical challenge is to make sense of the overall outcome. Recognising the political force and analytical relevance of Hindutva majoritarianism alone can explain the recent outcome and also connect it to the future course of politics. For starters, it is necessary to situate the assembly elections in the context of the unprecedented disenfranchisement and accusations of gerrymandering — so much so that political parties may feel compelled to ask why they are participating in a contest where the outcome seems predetermined.…