Concerns over unemployment and inflation were expected to sway voters. However, this discontent didn’t significantly impact the BJP's performance in states like Odisha and Telangana, where it actually gained ground.

The narrative that Hindutva politics has faltered is also inconsistent. While some claim that this strategy did not yield expected gains, it’s misleading to assume it works in some states but not others.

The broader electoral picture shows fragmentation. Many losing BJP candidates were either unpopular locally or perceived as outsiders, creating a disconnect with voters. Even strong campaigns like “Vote for Modi” couldn’t overcome dissatisfaction among local party workers.

Analyzing the electoral outcomes reveals significant regional variations. For example, the BJP’s seat count in Uttar Pradesh dropped from 62 to 36, while it swept all 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh and retained five in Haryana.

This varied landscape, with contrasting results in states like Karnataka and Maharashtra, underscores the absence of a single national narrative, as voters prioritized different issues like education, gender, and ethnic identity.

The key question remains: how did exit polls get it so wrong? Most conservative estimates suggested the NDA would reach 350 seats, yet the actual tally was much lower. The lack of uniformity in results complicates the inquiry.

In conclusion, two primary reasons explain the apparent "debacle" for the BJP. Winning around 244 seats after two terms would typically be celebrated, but the inflated expectations surrounding the party have distorted perceptions of its performance, framing a clear victory as a defeat. This disconnect between expectations and reality reveals the inherent challenges in accurately forecasting electoral outcomes through exit polls.