As the nominations for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections end on Thursday, attention turns to the polling scheduled for April 26 in the eight Lok Sabha constituencies going to polls in this phase. With political stakes soaring high, a plethora of issues loom large, shaping the electoral landscape.
This phase holds critical significance for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) and the Bahujan Samaj Party which has opted to contest the election independently.
The nomination process for the second phase commenced in eight Lok Sabha constituencies – Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, and Mathura. Each constituency represents a diverse demographic tapestry, encompassing a spectrum of concerns from agriculture, social security, infrastructure, mobility, communal harmony, to law enforcement.
While most of these constituencies have been strongholds of the BJP and its ally, the Rashtriya Lok Dal, the BSP has also emerged as a formidable contender in select constituencies. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP clinched victories in seven out of the eight constituencies, with Amroha being the sole Lok Sabha seat to be captured by the BSP in alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the RLD.
The upcoming elections in the second phase will serve as a litmus test for the RLD’s influence over Jat voters and the SP-Congress alliance’s sway over Muslim voters. Except for Mathura, where Muslims comprise 85 per cent of the population, the remaining seven constituencies boast Muslim votes ranging from over 16 per cent (Gautam Buddha Nagar) to 39 per cent (Amroha). The BSP’s decision to contest independently will be closely scrutinised, given its significant influence in most of these constituencies.
CONSTITUENCY HIGHLIGHTS
Amroha: Despite being the only Lok Sabha seat to elude the BJP in the 2019 elections, Amroha witnessed a historic victory for BSP’s Kunwar Danish Ali who secured over 60 per cent of the votes polled. The constituency has a history of diverse political leanings, with victories by various ideologies and parties.
Meerut: With a substantial Muslim voter base of around 34 per cent, Meerut has been a BJP stronghold, particularly with Rajendra Agrawal’s consecutive victories. However, the unexpected entry of Arun Govil, known for playing the role of Lord Ram in the Ramayana TV serial, has added a new dimension to the contest.
Baghpat: Traditionally a stronghold of Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh’s family, Baghpat sees BJP’s alliance with the RLD this time, altering the electoral dynamics.
Ghaziabad: Dominated by the BJP, the selection of a new candidate, Atul Garg, for Ghaziabad's has sparked discontent among some Thakur voters.
Gautam Buddha Nagar: BJP’s Mahesh Sharma seeks re-election in a constituency long held by the party, facing off against SP and BSP contenders.
Bulandshahr: A BJP stronghold, Bulandshahr has seen consistent victories, highlighting the party’s continued dominance.
Aligarh: Despite the BSP’s strong vote base, the BJP has secured victories in most elections on this seat, with BJP’s Satish Gautam aiming for re-election.
As the electoral battleground intensifies, candidates from various parties vie for support, ensuring a fiercely contested second phase of Lok Sabha elections.
