BJP’s Milkipur Victory: A Strategic Comeback in Uttar Pradesh Politics
NEW DELHI: The BJP’s victory in the Milkipur bypoll marks a significant reassertion of its political dominance in Uttar Pradesh, countering the setback from its Faizabad defeat eight months prior. This win is strategically aimed at regaining lost ground and revitalizing Dalit support.
A Tactical Recovery
The loss in Faizabad was a major blow for the BJP, especially given the area’s significance to its Hindutva agenda. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had touted Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad, a Dalit, as a political trophy, reinforcing the opposition’s stronghold. However, the BJP recalibrated its approach, leading to what its workers termed “Ayodhya ka badla.” Chandrabhanu Paswan emerged victorious with a margin of 61,710 votes over SP’s Ajit Prasad, with both parties fielding Pasi candidates, emphasizing the vital Dalit vote bank.
Dalit Outreach and Narrative Shift
The BJP’s loss in Faizabad prompted a narrative shift, forcing the party to engage more actively with Dalit and OBC communities. Under its ‘Samvidhan Gaurav Samman’ initiative, BJP leaders distributed copies of the Constitution and conducted outreach programs to reaffirm their commitment to social justice.
National Impact and Political Realignments
Milkipur’s victory was highlighted in PM Narendra Modi’s post-Delhi poll speech, showcasing public faith in BJP leadership. UP Minorities Minister Danish Azad Ansari noted that even Muslim voters leaned towards the BJP, prioritizing development over divisive politics. Historically influenced by the Communist, SP, and BSP parties, Milkipur is now a key battleground in the BJP’s UP strategy.
SP’s Political Fallout
The loss has given the BSP an opportunity to critique the SP. Mayawati questioned the SP’s failure to secure a win despite not contesting in the area. Internal discussions suggest that the decision to field the sitting MP’s son may have contributed to the SP’s defeat.
Looking Ahead
BJP’s triumph in Milkipur signals an aggressive comeback in Ayodhya’s political landscape, reinforcing its strategic pivot towards Dalit empowerment. With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approaching, the results set the stage for high-stakes battles ahead in UP politics.
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