BJP's Ayodhya defeat: When caste trumps Ram

PM Modi in Ayodhya Ram temple

During the BJP's election campaign, a song frequently played from megaphones: “Jo Ram ko laaye hain, hum unko laayenge,” which loosely translates to “We will vote for the party that built the Ram Temple.”

The election results, however, delivered a surprising blow. BJP lost in Faizabad-Ayodhya to INDIA bloc candidate Awadhesh Prasad. The Opposition countered with the slogan: “Na Ayodhya, na Kashi, ab ki baar Awadhesh Pasi,” emphasizing the Dalit identity of the SP candidate.

BJP faced defeat not only in Ayodhya but also in other Lok Sabha constituencies within the Ayodhya division, which includes Faizabad, Amethi, Ambedkar Nagar, Sultanpur, and Barabanki districts. BJP’s two-time sitting MP Lallu Singh was defeated by Samajwadi Party’s Awadhesh Prasad in the Faizabad constituency.

This loss has left BJP's policymakers puzzled, especially given the recent inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya after 500 years of struggle—a milestone the party had hoped would secure their victory. The temple movement has been a central part of BJP's strategy, significantly aiding their rise to power in Uttar Pradesh and nationally.

“The BJP not only lost in Ayodhya but was also defeated across all seats in the Ayodhya division, suggesting broader implications for the party's future in state politics. Akhilesh Yadav used caste to beat the euphoria created around the consecration of the Ram Temple. This defeat is a big lesson for BJP that Lord Ram will not protect them from their inefficiency,” said Dr. Ajit Kumar Singh, Former Director of the Giri Institute of Development Studies, Lucknow.

Another reason was BJP's candidate Laloo Sigh's statement where he claimed that "to change Constitution, BJP needs 400 seats in Lok Sabha". This message was properly broadcasted among the voters by INDIA Bloc leaders with a twist that if Constitution is changed, people will lose reservation. This led to OBCs, and Dalits voting against BJP.

Here’s a breakdown of the factors contributing to BJP's defeat in Ayodhya:

Local Issues:

1. Discontent Among Local Voters: Despite being the center of the Ram Temple movement, voter turnout in the Ayodhya assembly constituency was nine percent lower than in the last Lok Sabha elections. Local BJP cadres, displeased with the government, refrained from voting. Ongoing development projects, such as road widening, led to personal losses for many residents, including the demolition of homes and shops. Inadequate compensation further fueled resentment.

2. Candidate Selection: BJP's choice of Lallu Singh, a long-time MP, failed to excite voters who desired a high-profile candidate. Singh, despite his tenure, had not established a strong personal connection with the electorate. In contrast, the India Alliance fielded Awadhesh Prasad, a strong SP leader and nine-time MLA, who effectively mobilized his supporters and appealed to the general public.

3. Limited Local Benefits from Development: While projects like airports boosted the city's national profile, local residents saw little benefit. Basic needs such as healthcare and education remained unmet, with the local medical college lacking doctors and resources. The dissatisfaction among voters who felt neglected by these grand projects contributed to BJP's defeat.

4. Slow Pace of Development: The slow progress of development work over the past three years, coupled with issues like dug-up roads, dust, and waterlogging, hurt small traders and shopkeepers. High-profile nature of Ayodhya led to autocratic behavior by officials, further alienating the local population.

Statewide Factors:

1. Akhilesh Yadav's PDA Formula: SP's formula focusing on backward, Dalit, and minority (PDA) voters resonated in Ayodhya. Not only did they secure votes from these communities, but Dalits also shifted their support to the Congress within the India Alliance, abandoning the BSP.

2. BSP Voter Discontent: BSP's cadre voters, feeling that BJP had undermined their party, directed their votes towards the Congress, presenting a new challenge for BJP.

3. Issues of Unemployment and Inflation: The India Alliance successfully highlighted issues like unemployment, inflation, and government mismanagement, including paper leaks and the Agniveer scheme. These issues resonated more with voters than BJP's religious polarization strategies.

4. Persistent Local Problems: Despite a decade of BJP's "double engine" government under Modi and Yogi, issues like stray animals remained unresolved, causing discontent among farmer voters. Additionally, inefficiencies at local administrative levels (block, tehsil, and police station) further damaged BJP's standing.

5. Middle-Income Group Discontent: While the poor benefited from government schemes, the middle-income group saw little relief. Rising fuel prices and reduced subsidies on essentials alienated these voters, despite BJP's attempts to address poverty and employment.