BJP faces heat after Varanasi, Lucknow MLC poll defeats; 2027 strategy under scanner

Vidya Shankar Rai

Lucknow, Nov 2 (UNI) The BJP's defeat in the Varanasi and Lucknow MLC elections has triggered a fresh round of introspection within the party, raising questions over its organisational strength and election management ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

The setback in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency, has particularly drawn the attention of the party's central leadership, with a review of local leadership and booth-level performance expected.

The BJP's claims, especially in this election, have been exposed. The defeat in the capital Lucknow and Varanasi seats has caused deep concern for the BJP's central leadership. Party sources say that the victory in the Gorakhpur constituency somehow saved the party's honor. However, BJP sources believe that these results will have profound implications in the future. Following this result, BJP leaders from the state to Delhi are discussing election strategy and the role of the local organization.

Sources indicate that the party leadership has taken the Varanasi defeat seriously. It is reported that state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's frequent visits, along with the active participation of several party leaders, including the state president, eight MLAs, four ministers, and the mayor, were also active during the election. Despite this, the party candidate's victory could not be ensured.

According to party insiders, a review of the electoral performance in Varanasi is now expected. This will include examining the performance of MLAs, booth-level organizational activity, voter contact, and election management. The most discussed topic is the 2027 assembly elections. Sources claim that the tickets of sitting MLAs may be changed in five of the eight assembly seats in Varanasi. However, there has been no official announcement or confirmation from the BJP leadership.

Indeed, the Samajwadi Party won both the Teacher and Graduate Legislative Council seats in the Varanasi division. Lal Bihari Yadav defeated BJP's Pramod Kumar Mishra in the Teachers' seat, while Ashutosh Sinha defeated BJP's Kedarnath Singh by 19,932 votes in the Graduates' seat. Senior officials say the BJP faces challenges in reviewing its local organization's grip, the activism of public representatives, and its election strategy after losing both seats. Sources indicate that all eyes will now be on the party leadership's organizational changes following this defeat and its new strategy for the 2027 Assembly elections in Varanasi.

When Uttar Pradesh in-charge Vinod Tawde was asked about the defeat in the MLC seat in Varanasi, he simply stated that the BJP did not hold the seats it lost in Varanasi before. However, he would address the shortcomings. Regarding the MLC election, BJP leader and leading contender for the Lucknow East seat, Dr. Avinash Rudraprakash, said that there are always wins and losses in elections. The BJP's strength is that its workers remain enthusiastic even after defeats. This is why the BJP will form the government in 2027 with a resounding majority.

It is noteworthy that in the recently concluded MLC Graduate and Teachers' Constituency elections in the state, the BJP won six out of 11 seats, while the Samajwadi Party won five. However, the party's defeat in Varanasi, the Prime Minister's constituency, has raised significant questions about the organization ahead of the Assembly elections. Following the announcement, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also hinted that there were some seats where the Samajwadi Party should not have won. This statement by Mr. Maurya is being linked to the defeat in Varanasi.

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