The final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh concluded today, marking the end of a fiercely contested electoral battle in the country’s most politically significant state. Uttar Pradesh, with its substantial tally of 80 constituencies, plays a critical role in determining the outcome of the national elections. Of these 80 seats, 63 are unreserved, while 17 are specifically allocated for Scheduled Castes (SC) candidates.
The significance of Uttar Pradesh in the Lok Sabha elections cannot be overstated. In the 2019 elections, the state served as a major battleground, with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) achieving a sweeping victory by securing 64 of the 80 available seats. In contrast, the Mahagathbandhan alliance, comprising the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the Samajwadi Party (SP), and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), managed to win only 15 seats. The Indian National Congress (INC)-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was left with just one solitary seat, highlighting the NDA’s dominance in the region.
Exit polls for the 2024 election, conducted by Republic-PMarq, indicate a similarly favorable outcome for the NDA. The projections suggest that the NDA is expected to win between 69 and 74 seats out of the total 80, reinforcing its strong foothold in the state. The opposition INDIA bloc, which has been formed as a coalition of various parties to counter the NDA’s influence, is projected to win between 6 and 11 seats.
This projected outcome underscores the NDA’s enduring popularity in Uttar Pradesh, a state that often sets the tone for national politics. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is the principal party in the NDA, has evidently managed to consolidate its support base, despite facing stiff competition from the INDIA bloc. Several factors contribute to the BJP’s sustained dominance in the state. These include effective governance, strategic electoral alliances, and robust grassroots campaigning.
One of the key elements of the BJP’s strategy has been its ability to form strategic alliances with other parties within the NDA. These alliances have enabled the coalition to expand its reach and appeal across diverse voter groups. Additionally, the BJP’s emphasis on good governance and development initiatives has resonated with a broad segment of the electorate.
. The party’s efforts to address issues such as infrastructure development, employment generation, and social welfare programs have translated into electoral gains.
Furthermore, the BJP’s grassroots campaigning has been instrumental in mobilizing voters and securing their support. The party’s extensive network of volunteers and workers has ensured that its message reaches every corner of the state. This ground-level mobilization, coupled with effective communication strategies, has bolstered the BJP’s popularity and electoral success.
In contrast, the INDIA bloc has faced several challenges in its bid to counter the BJP’s influence. The coalition, which comprises a diverse array of parties with varying ideologies and agendas, has struggled to present a united front. Internal disagreements and lack of cohesive strategy have hampered the bloc’s ability to effectively challenge the BJP’s dominance. Moreover, the INDIA bloc has faced difficulties in mobilizing voters and garnering support across different regions of the state.
Despite these challenges, the INDIA bloc has managed to make some inroads in certain constituencies. The alliance’s focus on issues such as social justice, minority rights, and inclusive development has resonated with specific voter groups. However, the bloc’s overall impact remains limited, as reflected in the exit poll projections.
As the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh comes to a close, all eyes are now on the official results. The exit poll projections suggest a strong performance by the NDA, reinforcing its dominant position in the state. However, the final outcome will depend on the counting of votes, which is expected to take place in the coming days.
The results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh will have significant implications for the national political landscape. A strong performance by the NDA will further consolidate its position at the center, while a relatively better-than-expected performance by the INDIA bloc could signal a shift in the political dynamics of the state. Regardless of the outcome, the elections in Uttar Pradesh will undoubtedly shape the future course of Indian politics.
