By The Sampadak Express
While voting is taking place in Delhi today, a significant focus remains on the Milkipur seat in Ayodhya. According to Election Commission data, by 5 PM, voter turnout has reached 65%. This marks a record-breaking turnout, surpassing the 2022 figures. In the 2022 elections, the Samajwadi Party (SP) secured its only win in Ayodhya district from this seat. Speculation is rife that the battle for Milkipur this time will be intense.
Milkipur’s Significance in the By-Election
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP snatched the crucial Ayodhya seat from the SP, and in 2022, when Awadhesh Prasad, the MLA from Milkipur, became a Member of Parliament, the seat was vacated. Now, a by-election is being held, which holds significant weight in both local and state politics. Both the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are making aggressive efforts to win, with BJP deploying a full team of ministers for the campaign.
Voter Enthusiasm High in Milkipur
The enthusiasm among voters in Milkipur is palpable. This by-election is not just being viewed as a selection of a new legislator but also as a potential turning point for the region’s future and a signal of what could unfold in the state’s politics in the years to come. It’s important to note that Uttar Pradesh will have its next assembly elections in 2027, making this election even more crucial.
The Political Math of Milkipur Seat
The Milkipur constituency in Ayodhya has approximately 370,000 voters. This by-election sees 10 candidates contesting for the seat. The Samajwadi Party has fielded Ajit Prasad, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Chandrabhanu Paswan. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), however, has opted not to contest this time.
Milkipur is a reserved constituency, and while the BSP isn’t participating in this by-election, their traditional voter base could play a significant role in determining the outcome. A considerable number of Dalit voters reside in the region, and historically, whichever party has secured their support has had a high chance of victory. The direction in which their votes lean could very well decide who emerges victorious.
Why the Milkipur By-Election Matters
The Milkipur by-election is a reflection of the larger political dynamics in Uttar Pradesh. Both the BJP and SP are making concerted efforts, as the result could influence the broader political landscape in the state, especially as the 2027 assembly elections approach. The outcome of this election could have a significant impact on future electoral strategies, and it’s drawing attention far beyond just the local politics of Ayodhya.
