Uttar Pradesh results: BJP lists 12 reasons for Lok Sabha setback

According to the report, the BJP experienced a decline in votes across all regions, with an 8% drop in vote share

In an internal review aimed at understanding the reasons behind its defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has submitted a 15-page report identifying 12 key reasons for its losses. The report highlights internal rifts within the party and the opposition's strategic focus on constitutional issues as major factors contributing to the debacle.

The comprehensive review was conducted by 40 teams across 78 Lok Sabha constituencies, where approximately 500 party workers were interviewed in each constituency, totaling around 40,000 workers statewide. The findings are set to be presented at a meeting of the BJP's national office bearers.

“The BJP’s internal review points to significant internal and external challenges that need addressing to regain its stronghold in Uttar Pradesh in future elections,” a senior BJP leader said.

According to the report, the BJP experienced a decline in votes across all regions, with an 8% drop in vote share. Notable losses were observed in Braj, Western UP, Kanpur-Bundelkhand, Awadh, Kashi, and Gorakhpur regions compared to the 2019 elections.

Snapshot of Lok Sabha election results in Uttar Pradesh

The report attributes the Samajwadi Party’s (SP) gains to the support from the Pragatisheel Democratic Alliance (PDA). Non-Yadav OBCs and non-Jatav SCs increasingly backed the SP, and controversial statements regarding constitutional amendments alienated backward castes from the BJP.

Criticism over BJP leaders' remarks on constitutional amendments was effectively used by the opposition to create a narrative that reservations would be abolished. Additionally, issues surrounding leaked papers in competitive exams significantly impacted the party’s performance. The controversy over the recruitment of contract workers and outsourcing in government departments further fueled dissatisfaction.

“There was notable dissatisfaction among BJP workers regarding the conduct of government officials, who were perceived as uncooperative. This lack of support from government officials led to opposition at the grassroots level,” a senior BJP leader told Money Control, who is privy to the report.

The removal of a large number of names from the voter lists by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) further impacted the party's vote bank. Hasty ticket distribution also led to reduced enthusiasm among BJP leaders and workers.

The report highlights evident discontent among party workers towards the state government concerning police stations and tehsil offices. Thakur voters also distanced themselves from the BJP.

The report noted a lack of support from backward communities such as Kurmis, Kushwahas, and Shakyas, with Scheduled Caste voters, particularly Pasis and Valmikis, shifting their support to the SP and Congress.

Furthermore, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidates did not split the Muslim and other votes but succeeded in cutting votes where the BJP had strong candidate support.

Key reasons for BJP's defeat

1. Comments by BJP leaders on constitutional amendments and the opposition's narrative that reservations would be removed.

2. Issues of leaked papers in competitive exams.

3. The controversy over the recruitment of contract workers and outsourcing in government departments.

4. Dissatisfaction among BJP workers regarding the conduct of government officials.

5. Lack of cooperation from government officials towards BJP workers, resulting in opposition at the grassroots level.

6. Removal of a large number of names from the voter lists by BLOs (Booth Level Officers).

7. Hasty ticket distribution leading to reduced enthusiasm among BJP leaders and workers.

8. Discontent among party workers towards the state government concerning police stations and tehsil offices.

9. Thakur voters distancing themselves from the BJP.

10. Lack of support from backward communities such as Kurmis, Kushwahas, and Shakyas.

11. Scheduled Caste voters, particularly Pasis and Valmikis, shifted their support to the SP and Congress.

12. BSP candidates did not split the Muslim and other votes but succeeded in cutting votes where BJP had strong candidate support.