The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): In a classic David vs. Goliath scenario, the INDIA Bloc candidates have achieved remarkable victories against prominent figures of the ruling party, leading to shocking defeats for BJP leaders Smriti Irani, Ajay Mishra Teni, and Lallu Singh.
Smriti Irani’s Defeat in Amethi
The most surprising defeat occurred in Amethi, where KL Sharma, a loyalist of the Gandhi family, triumphed over Union Minister Smriti Irani. Irani, who had previously gained fame by defeating Rahul Gandhi in 2019, faced an unexpected loss this time. Sharma, a trusted aide of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi during her tenure as MP from Rae Bareli, secured a decisive victory, defeating Irani by a margin of 1.67 lakh votes. This result marked a significant shift in the political landscape.
Ajay Mishra Teni’s Downfall in Lakhimpur Kheri
In another stunning result, INDIA Bloc candidate Utkarsh Verma defeated BJP’s Ajay Mishra Teni, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, in Lakhimpur Kheri. Verma won with 5.57 lakh votes, surpassing Teni’s 5.23 lakh votes, resulting in a victory margin of 34,000 votes. Verma, who previously served as an MLA from 2007 to 2012, made a strong comeback. Teni, known as a strongman in the region, had faced murder charges in the past but avoided conviction due to insufficient evidence. His abrasive relationship with the media and speculated lack of support from Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath are cited as contributing factors to his defeat.
Lallu Singh’s Loss in Faizabad
In another major upset, the INDIA alliance captured the Faizabad constituency. BJP’s two-time MP Lallu Singh, who controversially claimed that the BJP would change the constitution if given enough power, was defeated by Awadhesh Prasad, the INDIA Bloc candidate from the Samajwadi Party (SP). The Faizabad constituency, including the significant temple town of Ayodhya, saw Prasad, a seasoned politician and nine-time MLA from the Sohawal (SC) constituency, secure this crucial victory.
Implications of the Defeats
The loss in Ayodhya, particularly significant due to the historic Ram Mandir inaugurated in January 2024, has sparked widespread surprise and extensive analysis on social media regarding the BJP’s performance in Uttar Pradesh. Many view these defeats as a critical reflection of shifting political dynamics in the state.