The BJP scored a significant victory in the UP Milkipur by-election. This win serves as a balm for the wound left by the 2024 Lok Sabha election loss at the Faizabad seat. Previously, SP's Awadhesh Prasad had secured victory in Faizabad, garnering much publicity, and was prominently seated by Akhilesh Yadav alongside Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha.
According to a news agency report, the BJP victory in the by-election has infused tremendous enthusiasm among party workers. Following the win, they expressed that they have avenged the Faizabad defeat. Ayodhya's BJP in-charge, Surya Pratap Shahi, remarked that post-2024 setbacks, substantial groundwork was executed.
Special Community Candidates
Chandrabhan Paswan clinched victory in the Milkipur by-election with a margin of 61,710 votes, defeating Ajit Prasad of the Samajwadi Party. Both parties chose candidates from the prominent Dalit sub-caste Pasi. The BJP's previous general election defeat was startling, occurring merely five months after the majestic Ram temple was constructed in Ayodhya.
UP BJP Secretary Abhijat Mishra revealed that outreach efforts included visiting homes, honoring community members, and presenting them with copies of the constitution as a testament to unwavering commitment. Dalits and OBCs realized they were betrayed by opposition leaders in 2024, he stated, adding that the significant victory is proof.
Boost in Enthusiasm With Milkipur Victory
Another BJP official indicated that despite winning three consecutive elections nationally under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stellar leadership, taunts were frequent, with Ayodhya's loss often troubling. It was vital to counter the opposition's anti-Dalit rhetoric and prove SP's Faizabad victory was merely a fluke. The by-election win has fueled more enthusiasm within the party.
A party leader remarked that it was a prestigious election, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath leading the charge. Following the Delhi election victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mentioned Milkipur's triumph in his speech.
Faith in BJP
Chandrabhan commented that the victory margin in Milkipur exceeds SP's 2024 win in Faizabad, showcasing faith in BJP leadership. UP's Minority Minister Danish Azad Ansari mentioned that Muslims also voted for BJP. He campaigned in Milkipur, home to about 38,000 Muslims, many of whom support the double-engine government's policies. In stark contrast, he saw no SP meetings where Congress leaders were seen sharing the stage. He pointed out how alliances are fracturing, referencing SP's support for AAP over Congress in Delhi.
From the 1960s, the Dalit-OBC majority Milkipur seat was a stronghold for Communists. Besides leftists, SP has won five times, BJP and its predecessor Jan Sangh thrice, Congress twice, and BSP once.
SP Raises Concerns
SP's loss in Milkipur provided an opportunity for BSP to criticize its rival. Historically, SP blamed BSP for defeats, but BSP didn't contest Milkipur. Faced with a significant loss, SP attributed it to BJP's manipulation of official machinery.
