📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Original: Sachinghai09
Derivative work: Radomian
Politics
BJP loses ground in Uttar Pradesh MLC polls in Varanasi, Lucknow; SP gains
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 29 Oct 2026, 03:16 AM
👁 16
The Bharatiya Janata Party faced defeats in its traditional strongholds of Varanasi and Lucknow during the recent Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections, while the Samajwadi Party secured victories in those seats.
The latest results of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council (MLC) elections show the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) losing seats in two of its most reliable constituencies, Varanasi and Lucknow. In both districts, the party’s candidates were outperformed by rivals fielded by the Samajwadi Party (SP), which managed to capture the seats.
Analysts note that the setbacks reflect a localized swing against the ruling party, even as it continues to dominate the state assembly. The SP’s gains are being described as a boost to its regional influence ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
Election officials confirmed the count on the same day, and the results have been widely reported by major news outlets. The outcomes are expected to shape political calculations in Uttar Pradesh in the months leading up to the next assembly elections.
While the BJP retains a majority in the council overall, the loss in its historic bastions underscores the competitive nature of Uttar Pradesh politics and the continuing relevance of opposition parties such as the SP.
The party leadership has not yet issued a detailed response, but sources suggest internal discussions are underway to address the performance dip in these key urban centers.
Analysts note that the setbacks reflect a localized swing against the ruling party, even as it continues to dominate the state assembly. The SP’s gains are being described as a boost to its regional influence ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
Election officials confirmed the count on the same day, and the results have been widely reported by major news outlets. The outcomes are expected to shape political calculations in Uttar Pradesh in the months leading up to the next assembly elections.
While the BJP retains a majority in the council overall, the loss in its historic bastions underscores the competitive nature of Uttar Pradesh politics and the continuing relevance of opposition parties such as the SP.
The party leadership has not yet issued a detailed response, but sources suggest internal discussions are underway to address the performance dip in these key urban centers.