The recent Lok Sabha elections delivered a blow to the BJP, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where despite claims of good governance and law and order, the party did not secure the anticipated seats, halting at 33. Now, facing by-elections for 10 legislative seats in the state, the BJP is presented with the challenge of compensating for this loss. In response, CM Yogi has crafted a strategy with his 'Special 30' team, notably excluding both Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma.
Indeed, by-elections are slated for Karhal, Milkipur, Katehri, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair, Meerapur, Phulpur, Manjhanpur, and Sisamau. Among these, the Samajwadi Party (SP) holds five seats, RLD-Nishad Party one each, and the BJP three. The unexpected Lok Sabha results that saw SP giving BJP a tough fight lead many to regard these by-elections as a crucial test for Yogi Adityanath.
Honesty and Win-Ability: BJP’s Mantra for Candidate Selection
Amid stiff competition from the Samajwadi Party, Yogi Adityanath has girded his loins to secure a BJP victory in the upcoming by-elections. A significant meeting at his official residence in Lucknow ensued, where he collected feedback from all ministers and deliberated strategy for the by-elections. Insiders confirm that CM Yogi emphasized on betting on candidates with a clean image and strong public connect.
Under CM Yogi's leadership, the BJP faces the test of the by-elections across 10 assembly seats. The party has rolled up its sleeves and is diving into preparations with full intensity. For this purpose, 30 ministers have been assigned critical responsibilities. Each has been tasked with devising winning strategies for their respective seats.
Designated Duties for the 'Special 30' Ministers
CM Yogi's 'Special 30' team, which does not include the two deputy CMs, is set to spearhead the by-election campaigns. Each minister has been given the charge of specific seats—Jayveer Singh, Yogendra Upadhyay, and Ajit Pal Singh for Karhal, Surya Pratap Shahi, Girish Yadav, and Satish Sharma for Milkipur, and Swatantra Dev Singh, Ashish Patel, and Dayashankar Mishra for Katehri. Surendra Khanna and Nitin Agrawal have been handed the challenging Sisamau seat.
In addition, responsibilities have been distributed for seats such as Phulpur, Ghaziabad, Meerapur, and Kundarki, with the organized commitment from senior party officials and ministers alike.
Electoral Dynamics Raise BJP's Stakes
The upcoming by-elections for 10 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh have the potential to redefine state and nationwide political equations. The stakes are particularly high for BJP, which previously bolstered its government in 2014 and 2019 thanks to the state's support. The shift in UP's political momentum in 2024 has distanced BJP from a majority, presenting the party with a chance to reinvigorate its cadre through these by-elections. However, the dynamic of these seats is enough to heighten BJP's concerns.
Multiple Challenges Lie Ahead for BJP on Each Seat
Each of the 10 seats slated for by-elections presents unique challenges for the BJP. Following Akhilesh Yadav's stronghold in Karhal, Kundarki in Moradabad stands as another difficult seat, previously won by SP's Ziaur Rahman in the 2022 assembly elections and now serving as an MP from Sambhal. With a Muslim electorate comprising about 65%, Kundarki has historically favored SP, and a solitary BJP victory in 1993 remains the exception. The Sisamau seat in Kanpur, vacated due to the conviction of SP MLA Irfan Solanki, is a traditional SP bastion and could lean towards a sympathy vote for Solanki's family member if nominated.
Challenges are equally daunting in constituencies like Meerapur, Phulpur, and Ghaziabad, where BJP is intent on reversing the tide and proving its detractors wrong.
