Amidst preparations for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is intensifying its efforts to connect with the people of Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. Union minister Smriti Irani, who is expected to recontest the elections from Amethi, has been actively engaging with the constituents of her high-profile constituency.
Over the past few months, Smriti Irani has been dedicating an increasing amount of time to her constituency. Since June, she has visited Amethi for about 50 days, embarking on the Amethi Vikas Yatra to explore even the remotest parts of the constituency. This campaign aims to showcase the development that has taken place in Amethi since Smriti Irani’s victory in 2019, when she defeated Rahul Gandhi, the former Congress chief.
With the Amethi Vikas Yatra, the BJP intends to reinforce Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal among the people of Amethi. The vehicles used in the campaign bear the slogan ‘Amethi ke Modi’ along with Modi’s face, reflecting the ruling party’s determination to solidify its gains from the 2019 elections.
Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed confidence in the BJP’s victory in Amethi, stating, We are winning Amethi big time. We are confident of all 80 Lok Sabha seats, and that includes Rae Bareli too. On the other hand, the Congress seems uncertain about its plan for Amethi, mainly because Rahul Gandhi is awaiting the Gujarat High Court’s verdict on his appeal challenging his disqualification as an MP due to his conviction by an MP/MLA court. Despite losing Amethi in 2019, Rahul Gandhi won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala. However, unless his conviction in a Karnataka election speech case is overturned by a higher court, he will be unable to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
While the Congress remains unsure, the BJP is already making significant efforts to expand its appeal in Amethi. The party plans to send a 28-page booklet titled ‘Amethi ke Modi’ to influential individuals in the constituency. This booklet will provide detailed information about the initiatives undertaken by the BJP since 2019.
Smriti Irani, backed by Prime Minister Modi’s charisma and popularity among the masses, is solidifying her connection with the people of Amethi through regular visits. During these visits, she is referred to as ‘didi’ (elder sister), in contrast to Rahul Gandhi, who is often called ‘bhaiya’ (brother). Smriti has been meeting the people of Amethi, announcing significant projects, and highlighting her availability as a representative through initiatives like ‘Didi Aapke Dwaar’ (‘didi at your doorstep’) campaign launched in 2020.
In terms of the current political landscape, the BJP holds three out of the five assembly constituencies in Amethi. The Samajwadi Party, which previously supported the Congress in Lok Sabha elections here, has expressed its intention to contest from Amethi this time. Since 2017, the Congress has failed to secure an assembly seat in Amethi, a sharp contrast to 2012 when the BJP did not have an MP or MLA from the constituency.
In summary, as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, the BJP is stepping up its efforts to connect with the people of Amethi. Smriti Irani’s frequent visits and the Amethi Vikas Yatra aim to showcase the changes in the constituency since 2019 and reinforce Prime Minister Modi’s appeal. While the Congress remains uncertain about its Amethi plan, the BJP is already working towards expanding its influence. With the elections on the horizon, both parties are gearing up for a crucial battle in this high-profile constituency.
