The INDIA bloc triumphs in 10 out of 13 by-poll seats across 7 states, dealing a significant blow to BJP.
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The recent by-poll results have delivered a striking verdict, with the INDIA bloc clinching victory in 10 out of 13 seats. This outcome led Congress Leader Sandeep Dikshit to assert that if the Lok Sabha elections had been held 6-8 months earlier, the BJP would not have secured more than 120 seats. According to Dikshit, the by-poll results highlight a continuous decline in the BJP’s political fortunes since the last Lok Sabha elections.
A Setback for the BJP
The results were indeed a major setback for the BJP, which managed to secure only 2 out of 13 seats, while the INDIA bloc celebrated wins across multiple states. The INDIA bloc also won a seat in Bihar, further emphasizing the BJP’s waning influence.
Polling for these by-elections took place on July 10 in Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. The results have sparked widespread discussions about the future of the BJP and the rising influence of the opposition alliance.
Key Wins for the Opposition
In Uttarakhand, the BJP faced a significant defeat, losing both contested seats. In Badrinath, Lakhapat Singh Butola of Congress triumphed over Rajendra Singh Bhandari by a margin of 5,224 votes. Similarly, in Manglaur, Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin of Congress defeated BJP’s Kartar Singh Bhadanaby by 422 votes.
Himachal Pradesh saw Congress winning 2 out of 3 seats. Kamlesh Thakur from Dehar and Hardeep Singh Bawa from Nalagarh emerged victorious, both securing crucial wins for the party in Hamirpur.
In Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), part of the INDIA alliance, secured a win in Jalandhar West. Tamil Nadu also saw a victory for the INDIA alliance with the DMK winning in Vikravandi.
West Bengal was another significant battleground where the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), an INDIA alliance partner, secured all 4 contested seats, delivering a clean sweep against the BJP. In Bihar, despite fierce competition, neither the JDU of the BJP-led NDA nor the RJD of the INDIA alliance managed to secure a victory.
Criticism from Opposition Leaders
Adding to the chorus of criticism against the BJP, Samajwadi Party Leader Ram Gopal Yadav remarked that the by-poll results are a clear indication of the public’s growing dissatisfaction with the BJP’s governance. Yadav emphasized that the electorate is seeking a change and is rallying behind the INDIA bloc as a viable alternative.
Congress Leader Sandeep Dikshit reiterated his stance, highlighting that the BJP’s declining performance in the by-polls is a precursor to what could happen in the next general elections. He pointed out that the BJP’s policies and leadership are increasingly being rejected by voters across various states.
Former Finance Minister and Congress Leader P. Chidambaram also weighed in, criticising the BJP’s handling of key issues. Chidambaram argued that the by-poll results reflect the BJP’s failure to address economic challenges and social unrest. He stressed that the electorate is disillusioned with the BJP’s promises and is now looking towards the opposition for real solutions.
The Road Ahead
The by-poll results have certainly set the stage for intense political battles in the coming months. With the general elections on the horizon, the BJP faces the challenge of reversing its declining popularity. On the other hand, the INDIA bloc is likely to leverage this momentum to further consolidate its position and present a united front against the ruling party.
In conclusion, the recent by-polls have sent a strong message to the BJP. As the opposition leaders predict a tough road ahead for the ruling party, the political landscape of India appears to be heading towards a significant shift. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the BJP can recover from this setback or if the INDIA bloc will continue its winning streak.
