The upcoming 2024 General Elections in India have witnessed a significant rise in the salience of the Constitution as a central issue in political discourse. This development has been driven by concerns among voters, particularly Dalit and Yadav voters, that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intends to alter the Constitution.
The Bahujan Samaj Party’s (BSP) recent sacking of Akash Anand, its national coordinator, has raised questions about the party’s stance towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its impact on the 2024 general elections. Anand’s removal is seen as a surrender to the BJP, potentially benefiting the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance. The BSP’s core vote bank is also shifting towards the SP-Congress alliance in some seats, further weakening the BSP’s prospects as the polls move towards the eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh.
The third phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, comprising 10 seats, witnessed an intense electoral showdown between the BJP, Samajwadi Party (SP), and other key parties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the BJP’s campaign, targeting the Congress and SP’s alleged dynasty and appeasement politics. The SP, with a significant stake in this phase, pushed its caste census pitch while accusing the BJP of seeking to end reservation. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) aimed to play a spoiler role in several constituencies. Several key contests include Sambhal, where the SP’s Zia Ur Rahman Barq faces the BJP’s Parmeshwar Lal Saini, and Hathras, a Scheduled Caste-reserved constituency, where the SP’s Jasveer Valmiki takes on the BJP’s Anoop Pradhan.
Addressing an election rally in Meerut, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati vowed to work towards the formation of a separate Western U.P. State, comprising districts of the region, and the establishment of an Allahabad High Court Bench in Meerut. She emphasized the need for a separate state to ensure better development and fulfillment of the long-standing demand of the region.
BSP leader Mayawati accused the BJP, SP, and Congress of prioritizing personal利益 over the welfare of society. She stated that the BSP remains committed to serving all sections of society, including the marginalized. Mayawati criticized the BJP’s policies for exacerbating poverty, unemployment, and migration. She also accused the BJP of oppressing minorities and Dalits, and of creating a climate of fear under the guise of Hindutva.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and the Congress for questioning the Hindu deities Ram and Krishna. He said that these parties should be sent on a “five-year leave” by voting them out of power in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The CM also said that it is the turn of the Brajbhoomi region in Uttar Pradesh to shine, after Ayodhya and Kashi.
