Modi-Yogi factor a plus for BJP, SP showed clever ticket distribution

LUCKNOW: Orignially published on May 22, 2024, political strategist and futurist Vimal Singh talks to Pathikrit Chakraborty about the trends in Lok Sabha Elections 2024 so far. Excerpts…

How do you assess the BJP’s position in Uttar Pradesh in the current elections?
Ticket distribution was an issue. A large number of candidates were repeated and that didn’t go down well with party workers at many places. This led to lack of enthusiasm among them in the initial phases. It seemed inputs from the state unit were not taken while making decisions on tickets. However, the popularity of PM Narendra Modi and efforts of CM Yogi Adityanath ultimately neutralised these issues. Modi-Yogi factor is a big plus for BJP.

Was India Bloc’s ticket distribution more thoughtful?
SP’s distribution was more strategic and was based on local factors such as caste equations and candidate appeal. Both SP and Congress, however, started too late. They had a lot of ground to cover and it was tall order.

How do you view the prospects of the Congress in Amethi, Rae Bareli?
Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest from Rae Bareli injected fresh enthusiasm among Congress workers. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s active involvement in campaigning for KL Sharma in Amethi and Rahul Gandhi in Rae Bareli indicates a potential shift in party dynamics. Priyanka has untapped potential, as evidenced by her impactful statements in the past. Her increased responsibilities within the party seem inevitable.

Can you provide insights into other states like Maharashtra and West Bengal?
In Maharashtra, there appears to be a sympathy factor for Uddhav Thackeray’s faction due to their abrupt removal from power. However, the Congress is unlikely to make significant gains in the state. In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee’s dominance is expected to continue. BJP and TMC are likely to stick to their 2019 positions.

What is your assessment of the future trajectory of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s career?
Arvind Kejriwal is a prominent figure in Indian politics, and I believe he is here to stay. Both he and his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, have established themselves as influential figures. Despite facing challenges, Kejriwal will persist as a significant player in the political landscape, continuing to wield influence in the corridors of power.