Besides other things, elections, too, bind the people of our country— it either associates or dissociates one with an ideology or group. This year’s general elections have already started to create more noticeable ripples.
A lot seems to be happening, especially with the formation of the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc. A narrative around the Opposition’s space in Indian politics which seemed to be shrinking has garnered the limelight again.
And with Bharatiya Janata Party at the helm, the only national party which equals the stature of the BJP is the Indian National Congress. The grand old party of India is, thus, at the nexus of the one-of-its-kind opposition’s alliance. Henceforth, the party’s every move is of paramount importance pertaining to the ensuing parliamentary elections.
Every party has been releasing their lists of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s candidature from Varanasi was a known fact, even before the names were declared, clouds hung over who would the Congress field from Varanasi to take over PM Modi.
Speculations were such that Ajai Rai from the Congress, who has been losing the seat to PM Modi for the last two general elections, might get replaced. However, putting an end to all the suppositions, the Congress has, once again, restored its faith in him.
The development has caused one to question the resolve of the Congress in defeating PM Modi.
First, Rai is the newly-appointed Congress chief of Uttar Pradesh.
Second, he is known for having a stronghold in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Purvanchal.
Third, Rai hails from the community of Bhumihars, who form one of the primary vote banks of the state.
While there is no denying that caste still continues to be an important factor in the political space of the nation, the reason does not seem enough when it comes to winning from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.
Notably, these factors existed in the parliamentary elections of both 2014 and 2019, but Rai could not even manage to come second after PM Modi. He stood third in the Lok Sabha elections of both the years.
Purvanchal, where Varanasi is located, is known to be BJP’s stronghold. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, too, has a huge fan base there.
In such a scenario, the only new element that supports the cause of Rai’s candidature is him being promoted as the state unit chief.
Another factor that the Congress might have taken into consideration is— Rai started his political career from ABVP and went on to join the BJP. From 1996 to 2007, he won in legislative assembly on BJP’s ticket. And someone who knows the party for so long will be aware of the mechanism to break BJP’s winning strategy. Or, the INC must have thought that Rai would not do a hat-trick by failing to fuel his anger, which has been burning inside him since he ditched the BJP after being denied the Lok Sabha ticket.
Rai is considered to be the leader of the masses who would help the Congress to storm to power in UP and, thus, take over PM Modi. However, the factors do not support the cause. Expectations, in this case, seem to overpower logic and reasoning.
This exposes another fissure in the Congress, that is, the party lacks candidates whom they can pit against PM Modi or are deliberately shying away from fielding a stronger candidate against the BJP stalwart.
The elections are yet to begin and the outcome of this electoral festival is still far away, albeit the prospects of the Congress appear bleak.
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