Badrinath, part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and a site of various mythological importance, has proven to be a major concern for the BJP despite ongoing development projects in the area. This follows a recent defeat for the BJP in Ayodhya during the Lok Sabha elections, a loss that was unexpected given Ayodhya being Lord Ram’s birthplace.
BJP Lost By 5,095 Votes In Badrinath Despite Ongoing Development Projects In The Area
The similar outcome in Badrinath has raised questions about whether the BJP government is failing to win over local voters despite its efforts to develop religious sites. The defeat of the BJP in Badrinath has intensified existing concerns. Badrinath assembly constituency is a part of Garhwal Lok Sabha seat which accommodates 14 seats. In the 2022 assembly poll, Congress could win only Badrinath assembly seat while BJP emerged victorious in 13 assembly seats of the Garhwal Lok Sabha constituency. But this time a total of 54,228 votes were cast in the by-poll held on July 10 in which first-time candidate Butola secured 27,696 votes, defeating BJP’s Rajendra Singh Bhandari by 5,095 votes.
Reason Behind BJP’s Defeat In Badrinath
Congress has traditionally been victorious in Badrinath, with Rajendra Bhandari winning on a Congress ticket in 2022. However, before the recent Lok Sabha elections, he switched allegiance to the BJP, which then nominated him for the Badrinath seat. Despite this, Bhandari failed to gain public trust, and his image as a defector worked against him. The Congress candidate, Lakhpat Butola, emerged victorious.
Congress Nominee Defeated BJP In Manglaur By A Very Small Margin Of Only 422 Votes
In Manglaur by-poll, the victory of Congress party’s nominee Quazi Mohammad Nizamuddin is also a good sign for the party. “It may help Congress increase its popularity among Muslim voters who have considerable presence in Haridwar LS seat of which Manglaur is a part,” a source in Congress said. Manglaur is always considered as a tough seat for the BJP. However, BJP nominee Kartar Singh Bhadana was defeated by Congress nominee Nizamuddin by a slender margin of only 422 votes. Nizamuddin got 31,727 votes and Bhadana 31,305 votes.
BJP Now Concerned For Kedarnath Seat
The BJP’s next major test may be in Kedarnath. Following the recent death of BJP MLA Sheila Rani, a by-election is expected soon. The dissatisfaction among locals at sacred sites like Ayodhya and Badrinath has put pressure on the party leadership. In Kedarnath, there is also significant discontent.