Will Uttar Pradesh Remain the Jewel in BJP’s Crown in the Lok Sabha Polls Once More?

The upcoming Lok Sabha election results in Uttar Pradesh hold significant importance, with the state historically playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s political landscape. Over the years, Uttar Pradesh has consistently contributed a substantial number of seats to the BJP’s tally, making it a crucial battleground for all major political players.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a third term for his government, has won from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency in both previous elections. However, the opposition, particularly the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance, has intensified efforts to challenge the BJP’s dominance in the state.

The BJP’s campaign has focused on highlighting the achievements of the “double engine” government, comprising the Modi regime at the Centre and the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh. However, the party has also emphasized alleged policies of Muslim appeasement by the opposition.

Conversely, the opposition alliance has accused the BJP of planning to change the Constitution and abolish reservation schemes. The campaign rhetoric has intensified, with both sides making bold claims and counterclaims.

In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured a significant number of seats in Uttar Pradesh, although its tally decreased slightly in 2019 despite an increase in the overall vote share. This was attributed to gains made by the BSP and SP alliance, which won a combined total of 15 seats.

The SP and BSP, however, have since parted ways, with the SP forming an alliance with the Congress for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The effectiveness of this alliance remains to be seen, especially considering the mixed results of previous alliance attempts by the Congress in the state.

As the BJP and the opposition alliance make claims about winning seats in Uttar Pradesh, the real test will come on counting day. The outcome will not only determine the state’s political landscape but also have significant implications for national politics.