The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), still reeling from allegations of sabotage during the Lok Sabha elections, is now grappling with a similar situation in the recently concluded by-elections for nine Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
Inputs received by the party's leadership about internal sabotage during voting have raised alarms, prompting an urgent review of the damage caused.
Sources within the BJP reveal that saboteurs have been identified, with the most significant disruptions reported in Kundarki, Katehari, and Phulpur constituencies. Complaints began surfacing soon after candidates were announced for key constituencies including Majhawan, Katehari, Kundarki, and Sisamau. Despite efforts by senior leaders to address the unrest, opposition from within the party persisted.
In some areas, the dissatisfaction stemmed from ticket distribution. Former MPs, MLAs, and senior workers who were overlooked, in favor of candidates chosen based on caste equations, reportedly worked against the party's official nominees.
Inputs also indicate that in Majhawan sabotage was not limited to BJP ranks. Workers from allied parties within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) were allegedly involved in undermining the BJP's prospects despite public appeals from top alliance leaders for unity.
The situation echoes the party's struggles during the Lok Sabha election, where infighting and candidate dissatisfaction proved costly. Aiming for a clean sweep of all 80 seats in UP, the BJP managed to secure only 36 seats.
The Lok Sabha results reportedly caused friction between the government and the party organisation, with top leaders divided over the reasons for the defeat. These unresolved issues appear to have resurfaced in the by-elections, amplifying internal discord.
The by-elections are seen as a litmus test for the BJP's organisational discipline and electoral strategy, especially with the 2027 Assembly elections on the horizon. While the party hopes for favorable results, senior leaders are bracing for potential fallout if outcomes fall short of expectations.
Insiders believe that if the by-election results mirror the Lok Sabha disappointments, the party could witness intensified blame games and a widening rift among its top brass.
Despite the turmoil, BJP leaders remain optimistic about better-than-expected results. The by-elections are critical for the party to maintain its dominance in the state and rebuild its image ahead of future electoral battles.
As the results approach, all eyes are on how the BJP addresses the internal challenges that threaten its cohesion and electoral prospects in one of India's most politically significant states.
