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Political strategist and predictor Vimal Singh believes that discontent within the BJP over ticket distribution led to considerable loss to the party in Uttar Pradesh in the recent Lok Sabha elections and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s law and order policy contributed to the party’s victory on 33 seats. In an interview with Pathikrit Chakraborty, he analyzes the political scenario after Lok Sabha elections.Excerpts:
How do you assess BJP’s losses in Uttar Pradesh in the Lok Sabha elections?
Before the results were announced, I had said that ticket distribution was a major issue for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. Many candidates were repeated which did not go down well with party workers at several places. These candidates lacked strong connection with the local populace, and there was a lack of consultation with local leadership in ticket distribution. This led to a lack of enthusiasm among workers. However, the strong law and order situation under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath came as a significant advantage, contributing to victories in 33 seats.
Did the Ram temple issue fail to fetch votes for the BJP? This was the issue which once led to its rise?
Before the elections, a BJP MP from Karnataka said that 400 seats would be needed to bring about changes in the Constitution. This statement did not resonate well with the ST/SC and OBC communities as they thought that reservation would end. Across the country, it is evident that these communities do not prioritize religion and instead they revere BR Ambedkar. This sentiment was reflected in the election results in Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, as predicted previously, Ram Mandir did not emerge as a significant issue in 2024.
How do you view the prospects of the Congress, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi after Lok Sabha election results? You had previously predicted increased responsibilities for Priyanka.
Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest from Rae Bareli injected fresh enthusiasm among Congress workers in Uttar Pradesh. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s active campaigning for KL Sharma in Amethi hinted at a potential shift in party dynamics, which manifested in the election results. Now, with renewed enthusiasm among workers, both Rahul and Priyanka are poised for a new phase. BJP should strategize to counter them. Rahul’s recent speech as the leader of the opposition in Parliament has brought a new vigour to Indian politics. His delivery, confidence, and composure have rattled the BJP, marking a significant moment in a decade. As anticipated in May 2023, Congress’s victory in the Karnataka assembly elections signals a new era for the party.
How do you see the political landscape of West Bengal?
While the BJP made significant efforts to regain ground in West Bengal, voters have strong memories of the Communist Party era. TMC’s victory was a response to countering the terror of that period. Mamata Banerjee, through her hard work and tenacity over the past two decades, has surpassed challenges. Her adversaries were unable to dent her strong image. This will continue in future.
What are your views on Maharashtra, Odisha, and Manipur?
In Maharashtra, as predicted earlier, there was a sympathy wave in favour of Uddhav Thackeray’s faction due to their sudden removal from power. BJP’s policies and candidate selections during their tenure in the state bolstered Uddhav Thackeray’s position. Wrong policies of BJP made Uddhav stronger. It will be challenging for BJP to match the opposition in the upcoming assembly elections. In Odisha, BJP’s efforts are commendable, which aim to eradicate corruption and bring positive change. Regarding Manipur, politics should not be only for governance; it must reflect compassion in its decisions.
What is your assessment of the future trajectory of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal?
He has emerged as a prominent figure in Indian politics and is here to stay. He will come out of his problems. Both he and his wife. Arvind and his wife Sunita Kejriwal have established themselves as influential figures. He will continue to play a significant role in the political landscape.
How do you assess BJP’s losses in Uttar Pradesh in the Lok Sabha elections?
Before the results were announced, I had said that ticket distribution was a major issue for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. Many candidates were repeated which did not go down well with party workers at several places. These candidates lacked strong connection with the local populace, and there was a lack of consultation with local leadership in ticket distribution. This led to a lack of enthusiasm among workers. However, the strong law and order situation under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath came as a significant advantage, contributing to victories in 33 seats.
Did the Ram temple issue fail to fetch votes for the BJP? This was the issue which once led to its rise?
Before the elections, a BJP MP from Karnataka said that 400 seats would be needed to bring about changes in the Constitution. This statement did not resonate well with the ST/SC and OBC communities as they thought that reservation would end. Across the country, it is evident that these communities do not prioritize religion and instead they revere BR Ambedkar. This sentiment was reflected in the election results in Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, as predicted previously, Ram Mandir did not emerge as a significant issue in 2024.
How do you view the prospects of the Congress, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi after Lok Sabha election results? You had previously predicted increased responsibilities for Priyanka.
Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest from Rae Bareli injected fresh enthusiasm among Congress workers in Uttar Pradesh. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s active campaigning for KL Sharma in Amethi hinted at a potential shift in party dynamics, which manifested in the election results. Now, with renewed enthusiasm among workers, both Rahul and Priyanka are poised for a new phase. BJP should strategize to counter them. Rahul’s recent speech as the leader of the opposition in Parliament has brought a new vigour to Indian politics. His delivery, confidence, and composure have rattled the BJP, marking a significant moment in a decade. As anticipated in May 2023, Congress’s victory in the Karnataka assembly elections signals a new era for the party.
How do you see the political landscape of West Bengal?
While the BJP made significant efforts to regain ground in West Bengal, voters have strong memories of the Communist Party era. TMC’s victory was a response to countering the terror of that period. Mamata Banerjee, through her hard work and tenacity over the past two decades, has surpassed challenges. Her adversaries were unable to dent her strong image. This will continue in future.
What are your views on Maharashtra, Odisha, and Manipur?
In Maharashtra, as predicted earlier, there was a sympathy wave in favour of Uddhav Thackeray’s faction due to their sudden removal from power. BJP’s policies and candidate selections during their tenure in the state bolstered Uddhav Thackeray’s position. Wrong policies of BJP made Uddhav stronger. It will be challenging for BJP to match the opposition in the upcoming assembly elections. In Odisha, BJP’s efforts are commendable, which aim to eradicate corruption and bring positive change. Regarding Manipur, politics should not be only for governance; it must reflect compassion in its decisions.
What is your assessment of the future trajectory of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal?
He has emerged as a prominent figure in Indian politics and is here to stay. He will come out of his problems. Both he and his wife. Arvind and his wife Sunita Kejriwal have established themselves as influential figures. He will continue to play a significant role in the political landscape.
