Is BJP losing Varanasi? “ It is not easy to say. BJP still remains strong in Varanasi North, Varanasi Cantonment and Varanasi South”, claims Ajay Singh who teaches political science in one of the public Schools. “BJP holds Varanasi South since 1989, Varanasi North since 2012 and Varanasi Cantonment since 1991”, he points out and says that while BJP may still retain these three seats, it doesn’t seem as easy as it was in 2017. In Varanasi North, Samajwadi Party looks to have put up a stiff challenge this time while in Varanasi Cantonment Congress Candidate, former MP Rajesh Mishra, is the dark horse who can cause a major upset. Winning Ajagara (SC), Rohiniya, Pindra, Shivpur and Sewapuri seats also remain a big challenge for team Modi, considering caste equations and the way opposition parties are eating into the BJP’s core vote, say old timers.Another major concern for BJP in Varanasi district is the polarization of Dalit, OBC and Muslim voters. Disgruntled Brahmin community is posing a big threat for the ruling party. Also, joblessness, deaths during the pandemic, immature handling of the economy and the failure of businesses has crafted unforeseen pockets of anti-BJP constituencies in urban areas. If a large chunk of Brahmins decide to vote against the BJP and the stressed voters decide to remain away from the polling booths, BJP will be in big trouble.“For years, we are living in trouble and no one is there to take care of us”, says Richa Khatri, a resident of GPO area. “It doesn’t matter who wins or who loses. We need someone who can come to us in crises like the pandemic and ensure timely medical aid to save our lives”, she adds. Sanjay Singh Rajput of Godoliya says, “ while national issues are important, we are electing an MLA who won’t go to Ukraine for relief or to Pakistan to fight”, adding that his vote will go to a party who may ensure a government job for which he is preparing for the last four years.
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