Yogi Adityanath Attributes BJP’s Lok Sabha Election Setback to Flaws in BJP

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath acknowledged that the BJP’s overconfidence hurt their performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing the BJP State Working Committee meeting at the Bhimrao Ambedkar Auditorium of Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the BJP’s consistent pressure on the Opposition under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He pointed out their significant victories in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, as well as the 2017 and 2022 Vidhan Sabha elections. Although the BJP secured a similar vote percentage in 2024, Adityanath acknowledged that overconfidence and vote shifts hurt their expectations, allowing the previously weakened Opposition to gain confidence and celebrate their resurgence.

In the latest Lok Sabha elections, the BJP’s seat count dropped significantly, securing only 33 seats compared to the 62 they won in 2019. Meanwhile, the Congress captured six seats, and its I.N.D.I.A bloc partner, the Samajwadi Party, claimed 37 seats in Uttar Pradesh, contributing 80 members to the Lower House of Parliament.

In a subtle accusation towards the opposition parties, Adityanath warned against the harmful practice of dividing people along caste lines during elections. He stressed that a divided society is easily weakened, but a united community can overcome even the most formidable obstacles.

The chief minister stressed the need to make the most of social media platforms. He pointed out that the opposition and foreign entities successfully used social media to orchestrate a conspiracy, underscoring the need for the BJP to harness these platforms more effectively.

The chief minister emphasized that their policies do not discriminate based on caste, religion, or creed. He highlighted that 800 million people receive free rations regardless of background, demonstrating their commitment to equality.

Adityanath’s comments came a day after the BJP-led NDA suffered a poor performance in by-elections across seven states—the I.N.D.I.A bloc gained a significant boost by winning 10 out of the 13 assembly seats up for grabs, while the BJP managed to secure only two seats, and an Independent candidate won one.

Adityanath assured BJP doesn’t need to retreat because of their accomplishments. Speaking to party workers, he highlighted their past advocacy for people’s issues while in opposition and praised the improved security during events like Muharram. He commended the state’s law and order, noting opposition unrest post-2022 elections. He credited the success of the ‘Mafia-free UP’ initiative to their support in eliminating criminal elements.

Despite what the Uttar Pradesh CM claims, crime rates haven’t seen a significant drop in the state. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which collects crime statistics nationwide, paints a more detailed picture. In 2021, Uttar Pradesh reported 36,363 cases under the Arms Act, of 1959, which deals with the regulation of illegal weapons and associated violence.

Even when adjusted for its population size, Uttar Pradesh holds the top spot in terms of gun violence incidents. With an estimated population of 23 crore according to the NCRB, the state recorded approximately 15.7 cases per lakh people under the Arms Act in 2021. This figure is three times higher than the national average of 5.4 cases per lakh people.

In addition to rising gun violence, crimes against women have also surged in Uttar Pradesh in recent years. According to the National Crime Records Bureau’s 2022 report, BJP-governed Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of crimes against women among all 28 states. The state reported 65,743 cases, which is more than Maharashtra’s 45,331 cases and Rajasthan’s 45,058 cases. In 2021, Uttar Pradesh had reported 56,083 cases of crimes against women, second only to Rajasthan’s 40,738 cases.