In the eastern Uttar Pradesh’s town Mirzapur, where the revered Maa Vindhyavasini shrine stands as a testament to faith, the political landscape has undergone a seismic shift. The Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision to deny ticket to its sitting MP from Bhadohi, Ramesh Bind, has ignited a fierce electoral contest. In a surprising turn of events, Bind defected to the Samajwadi Party just days before the nomination deadline, posing a formidable challenge to Union Minister Anupriya Patel, leader of the BJP ally Apna Dal (Sonelal).
“This was a golden opportunity that the SP seized,” remarked Nomita P Kumar from the Giri Institute of Development Studies in Lucknow. “By strategically fielding Ramesh Bind, the SP aims to disrupt the Kurmi-dominated OBC caste dynamics that have favored the BJP and its allies since 2014,” Kumar added.
The impoverished town of Mirzapur now finds itself at the heart of a complex interplay of caste politics. Anupriya Patel, seeking a third consecutive term, faces a constituency where voting patterns are deeply entrenched in caste affiliations. “Caste dynamics have historically played a decisive role in this Sonbhadra region,” noted Kumar, adding that while issues like inflation and unemployment are discussed, ultimately, caste remains the driving force.
Local journalist Manoj Singh emphasised the pivotal role of caste in shaping the election landscape. “This contest is a direct battle between Apna Dal (S) and the SP. As in past elections, caste equations will be the determining factor,” he said, adding that with the combined votes of Kols, Patels (Kurmis), Binds, and Brahmins totaling over seven lakh, every vote becomes crucial.
Singh predicts that while Patel’s supporters will predominantly back Anupriya Patel, the Bind community will rally behind Ramesh Bind. A significant portion of the Brahmin community is expected to support Anupriya Patel, with around 30 per cent backing Bahujan Samaj Party candidate Manish Tripathi, who also hails from the Brahmin community.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Anupriya Patel secured victory with a margin of 5,91,564 votes, defeating Ram Charitra Nishad of the SP. According to the 2011 census, Scheduled Caste voters in the Mirzapur parliamentary seat number approximately 4,80,867, constituting about 26.1 per cent of the electorate. Scheduled Tribe voters are around 14,739, making up approximately 0.8 per cent of the electorate.
Despite Bind’s entry into the fray, BJP leader Dilip Kol remains unfazed. “It is true that the Binds will vote for Ramesh Bind, the SP candidate, but in 2014, Anupriya defeated Samudra Bind of the BSP. At that time, she received 43.32 per cent of the votes. So, the BJP turncoat is no threat to us,” he says.
Santosh Kumar, vice-president of Akhil Bharatiya Vaishya Mahasabha, highlighted the unwavering support of the Vaishya community for the BJP and Apna Dal (S). “Vaishyas are staunch supporters of the BJP, and Apna Dal (S) is a trusted ally. Therefore, they are supporting Anupriya Patel,” he said.
However, some residents, like Rajendra Kumar of Rajgarh, believe the SP’s campaign is gaining momentum. Conversely, Rakesh Kumar Patel counters, “Both caste arithmetic and equations currently favour Anupriya. Though she faces a tough contest, she enjoys strong local support.”
Anupriya Patel’s supporters cite her developmental projects in Mirzapur, including the establishment of a state university, a medical college, and the upgradation of the Mirzapur railway station.
Political analyst Amaresh Chandra noted that Brahmins are pleased with the construction of the Vindhyachal Corridor, which has beautified and expanded the Maa Vindhyavasini temple premises.
Mirzapur, also renowned for its brass utensils, is part of the Uttar Pradesh government’s One District, One Product scheme. Rajendra Agarwal, general secretary of the Mirzapur Metal Traders Association, underscored the significance of this industry, which employs over 35,000 artisans and involves around 500 manufacturers.
“The entire industry is worth roughly Rs 900 crore and provides substantial employment. Politicians should take this industry seriously,” he said.
As Mirzapur prepares to cast its votes in the final round of the seven-phase Lok Sabha election on June 1, the outcome will determine whether the BJP and its allies can maintain their stronghold or if the SP’s strategy to disrupt caste dynamics will succeed.
