Election Results 2024: Samajwadi Party’s Historic Comeback in Uttar
Pradesh as INDIA Bloc Leads Over NDA

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections have heralded a significant
political shift in Uttar Pradesh, with the Samajwadi Party (SP) making a
historic comeback. The latest data from the Election Commission reveals a
remarkable lead for the INDIA bloc, with the Samajwadi Party and Congress
collectively outperforming the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This
election marks a pivotal moment in Indian politics, particularly for Uttar
Pradesh, a state that has often dictated the national political landscape.

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Pradesh elections, INDIA bloc vs NDA, Akhilesh Yadav leadership, BJP setbacks
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Samajwadi Party and Congress Lead in Key Uttar Pradesh
Constituencies

In a stunning turnaround, the Samajwadi Party and Congress
of the INDIA bloc are leading in 34 and 7 Lok Sabha seats respectively in Uttar
Pradesh. This shift is particularly noteworthy given the state’s critical role
in national elections, holding 80 parliamentary constituencies. The BJP, which
dominated the state in previous elections, is now leading in only 35 seats.
This dramatic change underscores a broader trend of shifting political
alliances and voter sentiments.

The BJP-led NDA’s performance is notably weaker compared to
the 2019 elections, where the BJP alone had secured 62 seats. This time, BJP’s
allies, Rashtriya Lok Dal and Apna Dal, are leading in one seat each. Notable
among the leaders making significant inroads is Chandrashekhar of the Azad
Samaj Party (Kanshiram), who is leading by a substantial margin of 109,799
votes over BJP’s Om Kumar.

BJP Faces
Major Setback in Uttar Pradesh, Loses Ground to SP and Congress

The BJP’s setbacks are emblematic of a broader decline in
its stronghold regions. From leading in 62 seats in 2019, the BJP’s reduction
to 33 seats highlights a significant shift in voter allegiance. The Samajwadi
Party, under the leadership of Akhilesh Yadav, has emerged as a formidable
force, managing to reverse its fortunes from winning just five seats in the
last election in partnership with the BSP, to leading in 34 seats on its own.

This election is the first major test for Akhilesh Yadav
after the passing of SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav. Akhilesh has not only
upheld his father’s legacy but has also exceeded expectations by leading the
opposition campaign with vigor. His partnership with Mamata Banerjee’s
Trinamool Congress and Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party has proven to be
strategically effective.

Prominent
Leaders Secure Strong Leads in Lok Sabha Elections

Several high-profile leaders have established commanding
leads in their respective constituencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is
comfortably ahead in Varanasi, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds a
significant lead in Lucknow. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and his wife
Dimple Yadav are leading in Kannauj and Mainpuri, respectively. Congress
candidates Rahul Gandhi and Kishori Lal Sharma are also ahead in Rae Bareli and
Amethi.

Akhilesh Yadav has been pivotal in the SP’s resurgence,
spearheading the opposition’s campaign and effectively countering the BJP’s
narrative. His retort to the BJP’s accusations of nepotism, stating that those
without families have no right to criticize others, resonated with many voters
and forced the BJP to reconsider its strategy.

SP’s
Strategy: From 2019 Setback to 2024 Triumph

The Samajwadi Party’s turnaround can be attributed to
several strategic moves. Akhilesh Yadav’s leadership has been instrumental in
reviving the party’s fortunes. He successfully paired with Mamata Banerjee and
Arvind Kejriwal, forming a robust opposition front. This election saw the SP
focusing on a broad coalition of non-Yadav OBCs, Dalits, Muslims, and Yadavs, a
strategy termed as PDA (Pichada, Dalits, and Alpsahkhyaks).

Akhilesh’s emphasis on social justice and economic issues
over Hindutva and religious polarization played a crucial role. The SP’s vote
share increased to 33.59% in 2024 from 18.11% in the 2019 elections,
highlighting the effectiveness of their inclusive campaign.

INDIA
Bloc’s Campaign and Alliance Dynamics

The INDIA bloc’s ability to unite various regional parties
under a common platform has been a key factor in its success. The bloc’s
campaign focused on issues of social justice, unemployment, and economic
policies, appealing to a broad base of voters disillusioned with the BJP’s
performance.

Akhilesh Yadav’s role in the INDIA bloc was significant,
insisting that the strongest party in each state should lead the alliance
there. This approach ensured that the SP could maintain its dominance in Uttar
Pradesh, fielding candidates strategically across the state. The alliance
dynamics also saw the Congress adopting the caste census demand, aligning their
campaign more closely with the SP’s narrative.

BJP’s
Decline in Uttar Pradesh: Factors and Implications

The BJP’s decline in Uttar Pradesh can be attributed to
several factors. The SP’s strategic campaigning, combined with the INDIA bloc’s
unified front, presented a formidable challenge. The BJP’s reliance on its
Hindutva agenda and development projects under Yogi Adityanath and Narendra
Modi was countered effectively by the SP’s focus on social justice and economic
issues.

The reduced margin in Modi’s Varanasi seat and losses in
other stronghold areas like Chandauli and Ghazipur indicate a significant shift
in voter sentiment. The BJP’s inability to expand beyond its traditional voter
base also contributed to its weaker performance.

Narendra
Modi and Rajnath Singh Among Leaders with Comfortable Leads

Despite the BJP’s overall decline, some of its prominent
leaders have retained their strongholds. Narendra Modi’s lead in Varanasi and
Rajnath Singh’s in Lucknow signify the enduring personal appeal of these
leaders. However, the reduced margins indicate growing challenges even in these
bastions.

Akhilesh and Dimple Yadav’s performance in Kannauj and
Mainpuri is particularly noteworthy. Their victories signify not just personal
wins but also a broader acceptance of the SP’s agenda among voters. Similarly,
Rahul Gandhi and Kishori Lal Sharma’s leads in Rae Bareli and Amethi reflect
the Congress’s revival in key constituencies.

Detailed
Election Commission Data: Seat-wise Breakdown

The Election Commission’s detailed data underscores the
significant gains made by the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh. The SP’s success in
37 seats, combined with Congress’s lead in seven, highlights the efficacy of
their joint campaign. The BJP’s reduction to 35 seats, from its previous 62,
marks a notable shift in the political landscape.

The SP’s previous best performance was in 2004 when it won
35 seats. The 2024 elections have surpassed this, with the SP emerging as the
single-largest party in Uttar Pradesh and the third-largest nationally. The
increased vote share and seat tally underscore the party’s resurgence under
Akhilesh Yadav’s leadership.

Conclusion:

A New Political Landscape in Uttar Pradesh

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections have redefined the political
landscape in Uttar Pradesh. The Samajwadi Party’s historic comeback, coupled
with the INDIA bloc’s strong performance, has posed a significant challenge to
the BJP’s dominance. Akhilesh Yadav’s leadership, strategic campaigning, and
focus on social justice have resonated with voters, leading to a remarkable
turnaround.

As the nation moves forward, the implications of these
results will be closely watched. The reduced influence of the BJP in Uttar
Pradesh could impact its national strategy, while the INDIA bloc’s success
might embolden other regional alliances. The road to the 2027 UP assembly polls
and beyond will undoubtedly be influenced by the outcomes and lessons of the
2024 elections.