“How Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav Transformed the 2024 Lok Sabha Results for the INDIA Bloc in Uttar Pradesh”
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh, the state contributing the most seats to the Lower House of Parliament, delivered a significant setback to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The Opposition’s INDIA bloc, led by the Congress and Samajwadi Party, emerged ahead in 43 of the 80 seats, while the BJP, which secured 62 seats in 2019, was reduced to 33 seats. This remarkable turnaround is largely attributed to the strategic alliance between senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. Their partnership, forged ahead of the elections, proved pivotal in reshaping the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh.
One of the key factors behind their success was the precise electoral math they employed. Avoiding the pitfall of overestimating their own positions, the Congress agreed to contest 17 seats, focusing on their strongholds, while the Samajwadi Party did the same with the remaining constituencies. This strategic division helped consolidate anti-BJP votes effectively. Another crucial aspect was the duo’s ability to convey the significance of their alliance to local party workers, who had previously been at odds. By ensuring that the grassroots understood and supported the coalition, they fostered a unified front that worked diligently to secure victories for INDIA bloc candidates.
Their extensive campaign efforts also played a significant role. Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav held massive rallies across nearly all constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, drawing large crowds and demonstrating substantial public support. Additionally, they adeptly addressed both local and national issues, with Rahul Gandhi emphasizing the need for a caste census and critiquing schemes like Agniveer. By combining these sensitive topics with local concerns, they effectively tapped into the prevailing anti-incumbency sentiment, ultimately altering the electoral dynamics in favor of the INDIA bloc.
Author:- Apoorva Arora