A ground-level survey of the Gorakhpur Parliamentary constituency was conducted by India News to analyse the performance of Ravi Kishan, the Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur, and gather voters’ feedback about him.
Gorakhpur is renowned for landmarks such as the globally acclaimed Gita Press, Guru Gorakhnath Temple, Gita Vatika, and Terracotta art. It serves as the workplace of Munshi Premchand and marks the martyrdom sites of Phirak Gorakhpuri and Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil.
Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s parliamentary seat, stands out as a key constituency in the state. The Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat has been a stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since 1989, maintaining its dominance in the region. Ravi Kishan, a relatively new entrant to politics, transitioned from an actor to a Member of Parliament and currently represents the seat for the BJP.
In his political journey, Ravi Kishan attempted to make an impact even before joining the BJP, contesting the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Jaunpur on a Congress ticket. After facing defeat, he later switched to the BJP in 2017, securing a record victory in the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat. Notably, Ravi Kishan is recognized among the top 10 active MPs in parliamentary proceedings.
Historically, the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat witnessed Congress dominance from 1952 to 1962. However, post-1991, the BJP established itself as a formidable force in the region. Figures like Mahant Avaidh Nath and later, Yogi Adityanath, served as MPs from Gorakhpur. The influence of the Baba Gorakhnath Temple extends to political dynamics.
Situated along the Rapti River, Gorakhpur represents the urban area of Gorakhpur district, with around 20 lakh voters in the Lok Sabha constituency. The 2018 by-election defeat for the BJP in Gorakhpur was attributed to caste equations, emphasizing the significance of local factors alongside national issues in Lok Sabha elections.
Despite promises made, Gorakhpur still grapples with unfulfilled commitments, and its residents continue to face various issues. The impending 2024 general elections carry particular importance for the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency.
Evaluation of parliamentary performance is based on factors such as presence in Parliament, the number of questions asked, utilization of MP funds, and special contributions. MP Ravi Kishan excels in these criteria, securing the top rank with a score of 0.78, denoting 78 per cent and indicating excellent performance.
In response to six questions, the constituents of the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency openly expressed their opinions. They commend the MP’s work, emphasizing his focus on regional development. While satisfaction with the MP’s performance in the Lok Sabha is high, there is a desire for increased local engagement, driven by elevated expectations.
The majority leans towards supporting the NDA in voting, and the Modi and Yogi governments receive accolades for their performance. Considering the area’s development criteria, MP Ravi Kishan is awarded a remarkable ranking of 7, with a score of 4.83, signifying excellence. Ground-level responses to our questions yield an outstanding 69 per cent approval from the public.
In the India News survey, similar questions were posed to the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha residents, mirroring our ground-level inquiries about the MP’s performance. The results are crucial in understanding the overall sentiment. On the ground, the public grants the MP a ranking of 1, but the score is merely 0.30, indicating a comparatively lower satisfaction level. When questioned about the MP’s performance, locals highlight positive development but assert that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has contributed more than the MP.
Consequently, the MP’s ground performance is perceived at around 30 per cent, falling below the average mark.
Analyzing parliamentary performance involves understanding the MP’s accomplishments both on the ground and according to the India News survey. However, in the present age, social media plays a pivotal role. Similar questions from the India News survey were posed to the people of Gorakhpur across various social media platforms, and the survey results are presented below.
In the social media survey, the MP from Gorakhpur Lok Sabha receives an outstanding score of 0.98 on a scale of 1, reflecting the approval of 98 per cent of social media users.
Considering the work conducted in Parliament, encompassing attendance, questioning, fund utilization, and special contributions, the MP achieved a score of 0.78 on a scale of 1.
In-ground performance, the MP secured a score of 0.30 on the same scale. However, in the social media survey, the MP received a remarkable score of 0.98 on the 1-point scale. In our ground survey, the MP attained a score of 4.83 out of 7. Combining all these factors, MP Ravi Kishan achieves an outstanding score of 6.89 out of 10. Therefore, marking a clear verdict of ‘PASS’ for his performance.
Despite six months passing since the last assessment, MP Ravi Kishan’s report card still shows passing marks. Initially scoring 7.7 out of 10, this time, the marks are slightly lower. The criteria for evaluation have expanded from two to four, reflecting a more comprehensive assessment.
In the vibrant tapestry of Gorakhpur’s political landscape, MP Ravi Kishan emerges as a dynamic force, weaving together accolades from diverse platforms. From the grandeur of parliamentary achievements to the grassroots resonance captured through ground-level surveys, and the digital applause echoing across social media, Ravi Kishan’s performance paints a compelling picture.
