In a surprising turn of events, the Ayodhya Lok Sabha election results have left political pundits and citizens alike in awe. The counting of votes for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections began at 8 am today, and all eyes were on the Faizabad constituency, which houses the iconic Ram Mandir.
Back in January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya—a momentous occasion that many believed would sway electoral fortunes in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The temple city of Ayodhya falls under the Faizabad seat, one of the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh.
As the counting progressed, the Samajwadi Party candidate, Awadhesh Prasad, took the lead over the BJP’s Lallu Singh in Faizabad. By 12:30 pm, Prasad was ahead by over 3,000 votes. His tally stood at 1,51,501 votes, while Singh trailed closely with 1,48,143 votes, according to the Election Commission of India. In the end, he won by a margin of 54,567 votes. He received total 554289 votes while BJP’s Lallu singh got 499722 votes in the Faizabad constituency as per the Election Commission.
Ayodhya Lok Sabha 2024 result: Factors Behind BJP’s Election Setback
In a surprising turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faced defeat in the Ayodhya constituency, a place where the grand Ram temple was inaugurated just months ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Let’s delve into the issues that contributed to this electoral setback.
1. Unemployment and Economic Struggles
Ayodhya’s residents grapple with unemployment and economic challenges. Despite the temple’s inauguration, job opportunities remained scarce. Many young voters expressed frustration over the lack of employment prospects, which overshadowed religious sentiments.
2. High Inflation Hits Hard
Rising prices for essential goods and services hit Ayodhya’s citizens hard. The cost of living surged, impacting households across the constituency. Voters prioritized economic stability over religious symbolism.
3. Infrastructure Woes
Ayodhya’s infrastructure woes persisted. Basic amenities like roads, sanitation, and healthcare facilities were inadequate. Residents felt neglected, questioning why development lagged despite the temple project.
4. Compensation Discontent
During Ayodhya’s redevelopment for the temple inauguration, small business owners faced demolition of their shops. However, the compensation they received fell short of expectations. This discontent resonated among voters.
5. Paper Leak Scandals
Delays in competitive exams and recruitment drives due to paper leaks became a significant issue. Young aspirants lost a year without age relaxation. Their frustration translated into votes against the ruling party.
6. Beyond Temple-Mosque Politics
While the Ram temple held immense cultural and religious significance, voters sought holistic development. They wanted progress beyond divisive narratives. Ayodhya Lok Sabha electorate emphasized practical issues over identity politics.
7. Allegations on Lallu Singh
Lallu Singh was accused of buying land in the area and then selling it at high prices. In fact, the matter of land purchase and sale had gained momentum after the decision on the Ram Temple.
The BJP’s defeat in Ayodhya Lok Sabha election results underscores the electorate’s demand for tangible improvements. As the temple stands tall, the people’s voices echo louder—calling for jobs, better infrastructure, and fair compensation. The temple’s legacy intertwines with Ayodhya’s aspirations, shaping the political landscape for years to come.
Awadhesh Prasad: A Remarkable Political Journey
Awadhesh Prasad, born on July 31, 1945, has etched his name in the annals of Indian politics. As a founding member of the Samajwadi Party (SP), Prasad’s journey has been one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public service.
Early Beginnings and Anti-Emergency Activism
At the tender age of 21, Prasad embarked on his political voyage. He played a crucial role as the Faizabad district co-convener of the anti-Emergency Sangarsh Samiti. His unwavering commitment to democratic values and civil liberties set the tone for his illustrious career.
1977: The Turning Point
In the watershed 1977 Indian general election, Prasad served as the polling agent for the Lok Dal in Amethi. This experience further fueled his passion for politics. That same year, he won his first assembly election from the Sohawal constituency in Ayodhya. Thus began a remarkable journey that would span decades.
Ministerial Stints and Party Loyalty
Prasad’s association with the Samajwadi Party deepened over the years. He became a minister in the Janata Party governments of Ram Naresh Yadav and Babu Banarasi Das. His tenure extended to the Samajwadi Party governments led by Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav. Prasad’s organizational acumen and loyalty to the party leadership earned him respect and influence.
Electoral Triumphs
Prasad’s electoral track record is impressive. He secured victory in the Sohawal constituency in 1977, 1985, 1989, 1993, 1996, 2002, and 2007. Later, he shifted to the Milkipur constituency, winning in 2012 and 2022. His consistent performance at the polls reflects the trust reposed in him by the electorate.
Faizabad Lok Sabha Election 2024: A Pivotal Moment
In the recently concluded 2024 Indian general election, Prasad contested from the Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency. His opponent, Lallu Singh of the BJP, faced a formidable challenge. As the counting progressed, Prasad surged ahead, leading by a margin of 47,935 votes. The historic Ram Mandir in Ayodhya loomed large over this electoral battle, adding significance to the outcome.
Awadhesh Prasad, the Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate for the Faizabad Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 Indian general election, ran a spirited campaign. As a nine-time MLA, he addressed public meetings across various assembly segments in Ayodhya, which is part of the Faizabad parliamentary constituency. Awadhesh Prasad’s journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to public service. As he continues to serve the people of Uttar Pradesh, his legacy remains etched in the political landscape.
Lallu Singh had previously won the Faizabad seat in both the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. However, this time, the contest proved to be more intense, with the Ram Mandir’s inauguration playing a significant role in shaping voter sentiments.
Overall Picture: UP and National Trends
Across Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party and the Congress were leading on 41 out of the 80 seats. Meanwhile, the BJP held a lead on 35 seats, as per the Election Commission’s latest updates. In 2019, the BJP had secured a whopping 62 seats in the state. Nationally, the BJP-led NDA was ahead in approximately 290 seats, defying exit poll predictions. The INDIA bloc’s lead crossed 227 seats, making this election a closely watched battle.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the INDIA Alliance made a significant comeback in several politically crucial Hindi heartland states, including Uttar Pradesh (UP). Here are the key points:
- Uttar Pradesh (UP):
- The INDIA Alliance defied exit polls and registered gains in UP.
- Currently, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is leading in 37 seats, while the INDIA bloc is ahead in 40 seats out of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP.
- The Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) is also leading in one seat.
- In the 2019 elections, the BJP-led NDA won 62 seats in UP, with the BSP and Samajwadi Party (SP) winning 10 and 5 seats, respectively.
- This time, the SP and Congress have formed an alliance under the INDIA bloc, challenging the BJP’s dominance.
- Key battles included Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading in Varanasi and Rahul Gandhi ahead in Rae Bareli.
The INDIA Alliance’s performance reflects a shifting political landscape, with opposition parties making gains in these crucial states. The results indicate a potential halt to the BJP’s momentum in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
As the counting continued, all eyes remained fixed on whether the exit poll predictions would hold true. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) aimed for a historic third consecutive term. To form a government at the center, a party or coalition needed to secure at least 272 out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats. With one seat already decided in the NDA’s favor (Surat), the fate of the remaining 542 seats would be determined today. As of now, NDA is above 272 seats, the majority mark needed to win Lok Sabha elections in India.
The Ayodhya Lok Sabha election results have been a topic of great interest all over India as Lallu Singh, the BJP candidate, lost to Awadhesh Prasad of the SP by a margin of over 33,000 votes . The decline in BJP seats in Uttar Pradesh was unexpected, given their historical association with the Ram temple construction in Ayodhya.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, exit polls initially projected a dominant performance by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh. However, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress surprised everyone by mounting a strong challenge. Their campaign focused on local issues, development, and youth employment, resonating with voters.
Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s party, the Samajwadi Party, is on course to record its best-ever showing in a Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh, leading in more than 35 seats. This strong performance reflects the party’s resurgence and influence in the state.
The decline in BJP seats was attributed to factors beyond the Ram temple issue, including concerns about development and unemployment among youth.
Uttar Pradesh, with its 80 Lok Sabha seats, holds immense importance during General Elections. Winning a majority in the state significantly impacts a party’s bid to form the central government. Overall, the Ayodhya Lok Sabha election results indicate that the temple’s influence as a deciding factor has diminished in the state.
