BJP dominates UP by-polls, wrests Kundarki, Katehri; RLD retains Mirapur

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) emerged strong in the latest by-poll results spanning 15 states.

| Updated: 23 November, 2024 3:59 pm IST

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) emerged strong in the latest by-poll results spanning 15 states. (Photo Illustration: Swastik Sharma)

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) emerged strong in the latest by-poll results spanning 15 states, retaining key seats and making strategic gains in Uttar Pradesh. Among the highlights, the BJP wrested Kundarki and Katehri from the Samajwadi Party (SP), signalling a notable shift in voter preferences.

The BJP retained its strongholds of Ghaziabad, Majhawan, Khair, and Phulpur, consolidating its dominance in Uttar Pradesh. RLD’s retention of Mirapur bolstered its standing, reaffirming its connection with agrarian voters, especially in Western Uttar Pradesh. The SP managed to hold on to its bastions of Karhal and Sisamau but faced setbacks with the loss of Kundarki and Katehri.

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The BJP’s victory in previously SP-dominated constituencies underscores its effective outreach and focus on issues such as infrastructure, employment, and law and order. Kundarki and Katehri were flipped through localized campaigns addressing the electorate’s specific needs, demonstrating the BJP’s ability to adapt its strategies for different regions.

RLD’s win in Mirapur highlighted the significance of regional parties in key areas, especially with its continued alliance with the BJP. This partnership has not only helped retain seats but also created a broader coalition against opposition forces like SP.

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For the SP, retaining Karhal and Sisamau offered a partial reprieve, but the losses in pivotal constituencies revealed weaknesses in its electoral approach and voter engagement. The party will need to reassess its grassroots strategy and policy messaging to counter the BJP’s growing influence.

The by-poll outcomes reaffirm the BJP-RLD alliance’s strong foothold, setting the stage for future electoral battles in the state. These victories are expected to energize their cadres as they gear up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, while opposition parties like the SP face mounting pressure to regroup and strategize effectively.

As Uttar Pradesh continues to be a bellwether for national politics, these results reflect the shifting dynamics and set the tone for the upcoming elections.