- As the D-day fast approaches for the ensuing assembly election to the most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, keen political observers are watching how the principal protagonists in the crucial Hindi heartland go about impressing upon the electorate. Even though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears to be ahead in the race going by the many poll survey reports undertaken by well-known entities, there is no denying the fact that the party in power is not taking any chances whatsoever. Indeed, the BJP’s main opposition comes from the Samajwadi Party (SP) which is showing a noteworthy resurgence in galvanizing not only the party cadre but also the electorate through well-thought-out moves, initiatives, alliances, and of course, poaching leaders as well.
PC: Sentinel Digital Desk
- As you are aware, some of the big names in the ruling BJP deserting to join SP ranks has only emboldened the socialist party to take on the might of the well-oiled electoral machinery of the ruling dispensation. Add to it some smart alliance moves only make the electoral pitch that much more engrossing. As a counter, this has only further spurred the BJP to leave no stone unturned in its efforts to return to power by engaging in aggressive electioneering where top leaders and stalwarts, including the prime minister, are exhorting the citizens of UP to vote for the saffron brigade. One may be wondering why such a huge emphasis is being laid on UP elections where the BJP is expected to go the distance.
- It is nothing but simple math to understand that winning alone would not suffice but winning handsomely matters the most. Looking back at previous elections in both the assembly and Parliamentary polls would reveal that the BJP gained a significant number of seats not only on the back of admirable percentages of vote share but also transforming those percentages into consolidating the complex caste arithmetic to emerge victoriously. Further, just scraping through would greatly diminish the invulnerability halo surrounding the BJP whose almost invincible winning streak in Uttar Pradesh propels it to form the government at the Centre as well.
PC: Sudeshna Singh
- Remember, there are 80 Parliamentary seats in UP alone, and in the last elections, the saffron party won an impressive 62. Mind you, the next Parliamentary election scheduled in 2024 is not too far away and hence, the urgency displayed by the BJP can be easily inferred. Thus, the UP election will essay an extremely important role in providing an insight into where the wind is blowing and what could be the scenario on the national political landscape in due course of time. Knowing fully well that it cannot feel satisfied with an average result ensuring the ruling government in UP returns to power, the BJP is showing signs of anxiety by pressing the accelerator full throttle without lifting its foot off. It desperately wants to win handsomely to strengthen the notion of invincibility. The time will reveal who will emerge stronger and who will be humbled.
