In a determined bid to reclaim the 16 Lok Sabha seats it lost in Uttar Pradesh in the 2019 elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party has chalked out a strategy tailored specifically for these crucial constituencies. The party’s relentless focus on electoral dynamics and meticulous planning underscores the commitment of the BJP to accomplish its ‘80 out of 80’ goal in this 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 the 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 victory of National Democratic Alliance on 64 Lok Sabha seats in the 2019 elections, the BJP embarked on a comprehensive evaluation process, with a particular emphasis on Other Backward Classes 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, in which the upper-caste candidates were prominent, the party has adjusted its strategy to present a more diverse slate.
Out of these 16 seats, five candidates come from upper castes, six from OBC and two from Dalit communities. Notably, the inclusion of Bahujan Samaj Party’s former MP Ritesh Pandey symbolises 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 emphasis of the party on grassroots engagement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of developmental projects worth thousands of crores signals the investment of the government for the uplift of backward and Dalit communities, aligning with electoral objectives of the BJP.
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 Adityanath, Mohan Yadav and Keshav Prasad Maurya have been tasked with rallying support among their respective communities. Additionally, the deployment of leaders like former IPS officer Asim Arun highlights the 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 inducting key figures like Ritesh Pandey and Sangeeta Azad into the party, the BJP aims to bolster its electoral prospects and weaken the stronghold of the opposition in certain constituencies. Furthermore, alliances with regional parties like Rashtriya Lok Dal underscore BJP’s meticulous approach to navigating the complex political landscape of Uttar Pradesh.
As the countdown to the 2024 elections commences, the BJP’s concerted efforts to reclaim lost ground in Uttar Pradesh signals a highly competitive electoral contest characterised by intricate political manoeuvering 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.
