Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emerged stronger after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clinched a decisive 7-2 victory in the state's by-elections. This triumph not only revives the BJP’s morale following its disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year but also cements Yogi's leadership ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.
"This is a booster dose for our workers,” said Vijay Bahadur Pathak, a senior BJP leader. “The results show that when we work unitedly under Yogi ji’s guidance, the BJP is unstoppable."
The BJP’s campaign focused on unity, encapsulated in Yogi Adityanath’s rallying cry, "Batenge to katenge" (If we divide, we will be cut). The slogan resonated deeply, underscoring the party's collective strength. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced this message during a campaign in Maharashtra, stating, "Ek hain to safe hain" (If we are united, we are safe).
Political analyst Rajesh N. Bajpayee highlighted the impact of this messaging. “The BJP’s narrative of unity struck a chord with voters and played a key role in their victory. It’s a lesson in disciplined, cohesive campaigning.”
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), often the BJP’s ideology backbone, amplified its support for Yogi Adityanath during the by-polls. Unlike its limited involvement in the Lok Sabha elections, the RSS fully backed Yogi’s leadership in these by-elections, emphasizing societal cohesion.
“Yogi ji’s vision aligns with our principles,” said a senior RSS functionary during a high-level meeting in Mathura. “His leadership is crucial for the BJP’s continued success in Uttar Pradesh.”
Opposition in Turmoil
While the BJP celebrated, the opposition struggled. The Samajwadi Party (SP), touted as the BJP’s primary rival, secured just two seats. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's reliance on caste-based vote banks failed to counter the BJP’s development narrative.
“The SP’s inability to tap into anti-incumbency sentiments is glaring,” Bajpayee noted. “Akhilesh Yadav must rethink his strategy if he hopes to remain relevant.”
The Congress performed dismally, opting to contest only a handful of seats. In Phulpur, Congress district president Suresh Yadav rebelled and contested independently, managing just 1,365 votes. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) fared no better, with over 60% of its traditional vote bank shifting to other parties.
The by-election results provide a glimpse into Uttar Pradesh’s political future. While the BJP has regained its footing, the opposition faces an uphill battle to recalibrate and mobilize effectively before 2027.
As the dust settles, the by-polls have reaffirmed Yogi Adityanath’s stature as a formidable leader. Whether the BJP can sustain this momentum will depend on its ability to address voter aspirations and maintain its narrative of unity and progress.
