UP by-polls were held in Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats. UP by-polls are viewed as a “rehearsal” for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Where on one hand, the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party, which registered a remarkable victory in the 2017 UP Assembly polls by bagging 325 of 403 seats along with the members, is attempting to retain both the seats, on the other hand, the opposition parties are trying hard to snatch the two seats from the ruling party. In a proffer to do so, the arch-rivals Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party have come together for the first time in past 25 years to tumble BJP.
Why UP polls?

UP CM Yogi Adityanath vacated Gorakhpur parliamentary constituency after taking over as Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister in 2017. Phulpur seat which was vacated by Keshav Prasad Maurya after taking over as Deputy Chief Minister.

Why it’s important for BJP to win UP by-polls?

To retain “Phulpur” seat:

For the first time ever in Indian history, BJP won with Keshav Prasad Maurya contesting the 2014 Lok Sabha election. After 2017 UP Assembly Elections, Mr Maurya took over as deputy chief minister and the seat now remain to vacate. So It’s important for BJP to retain that seat.

India: BJP state

The day will be soon when BJP will soon rule the country. Out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, UP alone holds 80 seats which is much higher than other Indian states. Hence, winning the maximum number of seats from UP becomes much more important for BJP to rule with the majority in Lok Sabha.

For Development and Administration:

Uttar Pradesh being the most populous state in the country has been a victim of negative politics, politics of bargaining and politics of opportunity. So in order to ensure that the state does not suffer from such situations, people trust BJP over other parties. Also, BJP has proven itself in context to development and administration.

To Defeat Arch-Rivals:

Soon before the by-poll in UP, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party have come together for the first time in past 25 years with a prior motto to defeat BJP.

UP CM, Yogi Aditya Nath while casting his vote on Sunday, said, “For development and good governance, BJP is necessary.” “The people know that development was the only panacea,” he added.