Caste politics a challenge for BJP’s goals in UP

As the country approaches the final phase of elections, speculation doing that rounds that NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will secure victory. Uttar Pradesh’s role is crucial for NDA to form the government. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s influence is a key factor.
Experts are optimistic about BJP’s chances, especially after the Ram temple inauguration. However, caste politics poses challenges. Opposition parties claim BJP will lose seats.

Challenges emerge due to caste dynamics, potentially impacting BJP’s trajectory. Opposition voices suggest a dip in BJP’s fortunes, prompting questions on Chief Minister Yogi and BJP’s strategies to navigate this turbulence.

Sensing the caste complexities, BJP has intensified its campaign. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to all the Union ministers and leaders, they have put all their strength in Uttar Pradesh. BJP got 62 seats in 2019 whereas it got 71 seats in 2014. This was the best performance of BJP. Due to the issue of Hindutva and nationalism, caste politics had become marginalized in Uttar Pradesh.

After the installation of the idol of Ram in the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22 this year, it was believed that there would be a storm in Ayodhya in the general elections this time.

Experts had high expectations for BJP in Uttar Pradesh, foreseeing a potential surpassing of the 2014 record. Various estimates were circulating, with projections ranging from 75 to 77 seats.

However, the election announcement brought a sudden shift in the atmosphere. Some experts believe that the promotion of slogan of crossing 400 went wrong. Amidst discussions about reservation, senior officers internally spread negative publicity. Lower-level messages hinted that surpassing 400 seats would end reservation. BJP and central intelligence agencies initially overlooked this misinformation.

Prime Minister Modi clarified later that reservation would not be abolished. Nonetheless, the opposition capitalized on this issue. While caste politics wasn’t initially prominent in Uttar Pradesh, it gained traction in subsequent phases.

BJP countered with issues like PoK, Muslim reservation, and law and order. Despite efforts, BJP struggled to maintain a unified front, with PM and CM taking charge.

Observing the situation, the opposition united and intensified campaigning efforts. Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi actively participated.

The opposition aims to capitalize on BJP’s potential seat restriction in UP. The effectiveness of strategies will be revealed on June 4.