Lok Sabha Election Phase 4: Can BJP Maintain Its Hold On 5 Reserved Seats, Similar To 2019?
In the fourth phase of elections in Uttar Pradesh, there are 13 seats at stake, with five being reserved constituencies , the highest in any phase.
In the 2019 elections, BJP secured victories in all five reserved seats , garnering over 50% of the total votes cast across these constituencies. However, this year, there's a split opinion on whether BJP will maintain its dominance in all seats. Some Dalit scholars and observers of backward politics suggest that the ruling party may experience a decline in support.
Badri Narayan , a specialist in Dalit politics , suggests that although Dalit votes may be fragmented among various candidates, the party enjoying support from other communities will likely secure victory.
"Traditionally, BSP does not do well in reserved constituencies as the Dalit vote gets divided among the candidates. This year, however, BSP has worked hard and may add 5-7% more votes to its kitty," he said, further noting that BSP chief Mayawati's questioning of the party's existence in this election has garnered stronger support from Jatavs. He said that some Dalit votes may also go to the INDIA bloc but there is non-Jatav mobilisation in favour of BJP.
"The recent attempts at polarisation are likely to have worked, especially among Valmikis and Pasis, so BJP may still pull off all five seats," he said.
In the 2019 elections, BJP secured victories in all five reserved seats , garnering over 50% of the total votes cast across these constituencies. However, this year, there's a split opinion on whether BJP will maintain its dominance in all seats. Some Dalit scholars and observers of backward politics suggest that the ruling party may experience a decline in support.
Badri Narayan , a specialist in Dalit politics , suggests that although Dalit votes may be fragmented among various candidates, the party enjoying support from other communities will likely secure victory.
"Traditionally, BSP does not do well in reserved constituencies as the Dalit vote gets divided among the candidates. This year, however, BSP has worked hard and may add 5-7% more votes to its kitty," he said, further noting that BSP chief Mayawati's questioning of the party's existence in this election has garnered stronger support from Jatavs. He said that some Dalit votes may also go to the INDIA bloc but there is non-Jatav mobilisation in favour of BJP.
"The recent attempts at polarisation are likely to have worked, especially among Valmikis and Pasis, so BJP may still pull off all five seats," he said.
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