EP 181 - UP Politics, The Yogi Factor, INDIA vs NDA with Ashutosh Shukla & Virendra Nath Bhatt

Elections are currently ongoing in the world's largest democracy. The outcome of Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls is of particular interest. Factors such as the influence of the Yogi administration, the electoral prospects of Congress in Raebareli, the performance of the SP, and the strategy of Mayawati's BSP regarding caste dynamics remain key points of interest.

Joining the discussion are two senior journalists Ashutosh Shukla and Virendra Nath Bhatt. Ashutosh Shukla works as Dainik Jagran's state editor in Uttar Pradesh. Beside that, Shukla is also the author of four books. Virendra Nath Bhatt is a senior journalist based in Uttar Pradesh.

In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, the two senior journalists delve into the electoral landscape of Uttar Pradesh. According to Virendra Nath Bhatt, the opposition's narrative suggesting Yogi's potential removal from the CM's position is contributing to a polarization of votes in favor of the BJP. He also asserts that the power struggle within the Congress between Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is widely known in Uttar Pradesh. Ashutosh Shukla highlights that women serve as silent supporters of PM Modi, and the newly built Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is expected to influence these elections. Additionally, the journalists also explore Mayawati's strategies to maintain her Dalit vote bank.

(0:00) Introduction0:57Has Yogi Delivered UP?

(3:18) UP Voters' Pattern

(7:52) Reservation Row

(14:53) The Labharthi Factor

(18:03) Caste Politics in 2024 Polls

(23:26) Mahila' Voters & Women Quota

(28:36) Bundelkhand Development

(31:10) Akhilesh & Rahul's Bond

(36:45) Congress' Nostalgia Push

(38:59) Ayodhya Ram Temple

(43:02) Will Mayawati Rise Again?

(48:22) Arvind Kejriwal's Claims

(50:20) Muslim Votes55:08:00Gandhis Giving Up Amethi

(59:08) Congress' Shift To Leftism1:01:17Election Predictions

(1:05:55) Congress' Dynasty Politics

(1:08:33) Farm Laws & UCC

(1:13:07) Development in UP

(1:16:22) Influence of Western Media