The Milkipur assembly by-election, held on February 5, 2025, has emerged as a significant battle for political influence between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP). The contest follows the previous defeat of the BJP candidate Awadhesh Prasad, who vacated the assembly seat after securing victory at the Lok Sabha level.
From the outset of the counting process, the BJP candidate, Chandrabhanu Paswan, quickly established dominance, progressively widening his lead against his rival, Ajit Prasad of the SP. By the end of the counting, after 15 rounds, Paswan had amassed 78,081 votes, considerably outpacing Prasad, who received 38,792 votes. This result is viewed as pivotal, particularly for the BJP, which had previously lost the same seat.
The Milkipur constituency is politically significant, being part of the Ayodhya district, heart of the Ram Mandir movement, making stakes especially high for both parties. With more than 65% voter turnout, surpassing previous assembly election figures, the electorate's engagement is notable.
Chandrabhanu Paswan, expressing gratitude to his supporters on the counting day's proceedings, stated, "I thank Modi ji and Yogi ji. I have received huge respect and support." His confidence resonates with BJP's broader narrative of development and governance under Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
On the other hand, SP's Ajit Prasad retorted, highlighting the BJP's perceived failings, as his father, Awadhesh Prasad, predicted SP's victory by downplaying BJP's reputation, claiming they had registered themselves for dishonesty.
The election’s heightened tension stemmed from its backdrop. The SP hoped to continue its influence after the successful 2024 Lok Sabha campaign but faced the BJP determined to reclaim lost ground. The caste dynamics were particularly evident, with nearly half of the voters from Dalit communities, and considerable representation from Pasi community candidates.
Polling was marked by hostilities, with allegations of BJP manipulating the process, claims highlighted by Awadhesh Prasad. The SP remains committed to contest the results, pushing forward accusations of systemic discrepancies within the voting mechanics.
Meanwhile, the results from Tamil Nadu’s Erode East, where the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is anticipated to secure victory, echoed sentiments of regional party dynamics against the larger national narrative shaped by the BJP.
Returning focus to the Milkipur by-election, the counting was facilitated under strict security arrangements, with officials confirming dedicated efforts for transparency through the use of VVPAT slips for validating EVM data.
Uttar Pradesh Dy CM Brajesh Pathak emphasized the BJP's prospects, asserting, "The public wants development, and they are happy with Yogi ji’s work," projecting confidence as results began to solidify for the BJP.
Resulting from the outcome, significant lessons may shape the political tactics of both parties as they push toward the ensuing state elections, weighing the importance of retaining strongholds versus reclaiming lost territories. The political narrative around Milkipur will likely set the tone for both state-level and national discussions as the BJP moves forward with strategies aiming at healing fractures within the party's perceived authority post-Lok Sabha losses.
With such heavy stakes and potential for shift, both Paswan's and Prasad's future actions will be instrumental as they adapt to post-election realities, compelling them to engage their constituents and reevaluate party strategies.
The Milkipur assembly by-election stands as not just another seat secured or lost; it embodies the beating pulse of changing perceptions, voter engagement, and party dynamics within India's ever-evolving political theatre.