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What cost the BJP a decisive victory in Mirzapur in Lok Sabha polls?
Dear Reader,
My colleague Abhishek Kumar is on a trail in Uttar Pradesh to being fresh perspectives from the ground after the shocking results of Lok Sabha polls.
After a report from Gorakhpur in Yogi 2.0, he's now sent one from Mirzapur. The sense he seems to have caught there is that BJP voters wanted a BJP candidate this time instead of its ally Apna Dal (Soneylal) (AD(S)).
Why it matters: Mirzapur is known for its shifting political loyalties. But it has consistently supported Narendra Modi since 2014—in Lok Sabha and Assembly.
But in this year’s election, there was a clear dissatisfaction among the locals with NDA's ticket distribution. It was evident when Anupriya Patel of the AD(S), narrowly avoided defeat.
So what happened: Anupriya Patel’s win margin dropped dramatically from 2.22 lakh votes in 2019 to just 37.8 thousand votes in 2024.
Patel was trailing until urban votes, primarily from Patels, Brahmins, and Vaishyas, turned the tide in her favour.
Key issues were voter frustration with Patel's absence and lack of oversight which led to corruption and poor infrastructure (like bribery in police stations and repetitive road constructions).
Despite frustrations, locals acknowledge the improved law and order under CM Yogi Adityanath’s government, which has allowed businesses to operate later into the night.
Patel’s victory is also largely attributed to the trust in PM Modi, who remains popular in the region.
Bottom line: BJP’s decision to support Patel instead of fielding their own candidate might have cost them a more decisive victory. Many believe a BJP candidate could have won more convincingly.
So will the BJP reconsider its candidate choices in the future?
Dive deeper: Read this riveting ground report by Abhishek in full to get a rundown of Mirzapur's political landscape which is as peculiar as the dynamics of the web series in its name.
Until tomorrow then,
Anmol N Jain
