New Delhi: The voting trends so far suggest a clear majority for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Uttar Pradesh. The Modi-Yogi duo seems to be getting over 250 seats in the state, where 202 is the majority mark to form the government.
If the voting count projected in early trends hold up, the BJP will become the first party in the last 30 years to retain power for two consecutive terms. Here are some issues that worked for the BJP govt in UP Assembly Election 2022.
Ram Mandir
BJP focused on the construction of the Ram Mandir and the inauguration of the Kashi Vishvanath Corridor that was projected as a rejuvenation of the ancient Kashi.
Bulldozer Comment and Law and Order Situation in Uttar Pradesh
The Samajwadi Party mentioned it first, as a jibe. The BJP decided to wear it as a badge of honour. And hence the bulldozer entered the poll lexicon this time in Uttar Pradesh, with Yogi Adityanath seeing in it an affirmation of both his government’s “tough on criminals” and “high on development” image. The UP authorities have been using bulldozers to demolish illegal buildings constructed by criminals and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav had earlier called the CM “bulldozer baba”.
Double Engine Pitch
Prime Minister Narendra Modi coined the expression ‘double engine ki sarkaar.’ But Uttar Pradesh (UP) chief minister Yogi Adityanath used it more than him. Modi came up with the expression as he drew an analogy between a train powered by two locomotives and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in power in the centre and a state. He meant that two engines could pull a train more efficiently.
Free Ration Scheme
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath mounted a searing attack on previous state governments, accusing them of clandestinely channelizing food grains to the ‘khadyan’ (ration) mafia, who would then smuggle the consignments abroad. The CM made a sharp attack during the launch of a campaign for free distribution of food grains to 15 crores poor.
Operation Ganga
In a majority of rallies in Uttar Pradesh, top BJP leaders mentioned “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership” and the quick launch of Operation Ganga by the Centre to rescue Indians stuck in war-ravaged Ukraine.
Covid Vaccination
Taking his most direct jibe at Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav Yogi said, “BJP ki vaccine and Modi Vaccine is now saving lives of people across the state”. This was in reference to the infamous claim by the Samajwadi party’s leaders including Akhilesh Yadav wherein they had referred to the COVID vaccine as ‘BJP vaccine’ and even spread mistruths about it triggering side-effects like impotence.
Kairana Exodus
“No one will forgive the SP for Kairana exodus. No one will forgive the SP for firing on Lord Ram devotees (a reference to firing at kar sevaks ordered by Mulayam Singh government in 1990). The Samajwadi Party only believes in riots,” Yogi Adityanath said. Kairana remains a sensitive town since 2017 when BJP leaders, including then MP Hukum Singh, had alleged the “exodus” of Hindu families following alleged threats and harassment.
Muzaffarnagar Riots
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the Samajwadi Party of instigating the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots and helping culprits get away with the crime under its watch.
Defence Development
PM Modi drew an analogy between the famous locks of Aligarh and the defence corridor, saying that Aligarh, which once made locks that protected people’s homes is now contributing towards the protection of the country’s borders as well. PM Modi announced ₹9000 crores for the development of the BrahMos missile at the defence corridor’s Lucknow node.
Schemes
The implementation of the central government schemes and free ration distribution, laptops for students, and uniform allowance for children have created a beneficiary base that cuts through the caste and religious divide. The beneficiary community comprises mostly the poor, downtrodden and marginalised sections of society who outnumber the middle and upper class. This welfare politics seems to have tipped the scales in favour of the BJP. Uttar Pradesh has, for example, 3.9 crore beneficiaries under PM Kisan Nidhi and PM Ujjwala Yojana combined. This is almost one-fourth of the total voter base – 15 crore – of the state. 15 crore received free rations amid the pandemic.
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