In a determined bid to reclaim the 16 Lok Sabha seats lost in Uttar Pradesh during the 2019 elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has rolled out an intricate strategy tailored specifically for these crucial constituencies. The party’s relentless focus on electoral dynamics and meticulous planning underscores its commitment to regaining lost ground in the politically significant State.
Nomita P Kumar, from the Giri Institute of Development Studies in Lucknow, remarked, “The BJP is a party which is always in election mode. Winning or losing an election matters least to this party, and as soon as the election is over, the party leadership starts the evaluation process.”
This sentiment reflects the BJP’s proactive approach towards electoral challenges and its unwavering determination to learn from past setbacks.
Political analyst Rajesh N Bajpayee emphasised BJP’s analytical approach, stating, “If BJP loses some seats, it minutely dissects the election results - booth by booth - to understand the dynamics of voting patterns so that it can rectify the same in the next election.”
This meticulous evaluation process forms the bedrock of BJP’s strategic planning and decision-making.
Following the NDA alliance’s victory of 64 seats in the 2019 elections, the BJP embarked on a comprehensive evaluation process, with a particular emphasis on OBC and Dalit-dominated regions. This introspection paved the way for a multi-pronged strategy encompassing candidate selection, grassroots organisation, targeted campaigning, and strategic alliances. The BJP’s candidate selection process demonstrates a nuanced understanding of Uttar Pradesh’s demographic dynamics.
Departing from previous elections, where upper-caste candidates were prominent, the party has adjusted its strategy to field a more diverse slate.
Out of the 16 seats, five candidates hail from upper castes, six from OBC, and two from Dalit communities. Notably, former BSP MP Ritesh Pandey’s inclusion symbolises the BJP’s efforts to attract leaders from other parties, showcasing a broad-based approach to representation.
The BJP has committed significant resources to bolstering its organisational presence in the 16 targeted seats.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s over 70 visits to these constituencies underscore the party’s emphasis on grassroots engagement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of developmental projects worth thousands of crores signals the Government’s investment in uplifting backward and Dalit communities, aligning with BJP’s electoral objectives.
Recognising the pivotal role of social engineering in electoral success, the BJP has enlisted prominent leaders from Dalit and OBC backgrounds as star campaigners. Figures like Yogi, Mohan Yadav, and Keshav Maurya have been tasked with rallying support among their respective communities. Additionally, the deployment of leaders like former IPS officer Aseem Arun highlights BJP’s efforts to broaden its appeal across caste lines, reflecting a strategic approach to voter mobilisation.
In a bid to consolidate support, the BJP has attracted defections from other parties, including the induction of two BSP MPs and over 20 other significant leaders. By incorporating key figures like Ritesh Pandey and Sangeeta Azad, the BJP aims to bolster its electoral prospects and weaken the Opposition’s stronghold in certain constituencies.
Furthermore, alliances with regional parties like the RLD underscore the BJP’s meticulous approach to navigating Uttar Pradesh’s complex political landscape.
As the countdown to the 2024 elections commences, the BJP’s concerted efforts to reclaim lost ground in Uttar Pradesh signal a highly competitive electoral contest characterised by intricate political manoeuvring and strategic calculations. With stakes running high, the forthcoming polls are poised to shape the trajectory of Indian politics in the crucial state of Uttar Pradesh.
