- By JE News Desk
- Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Lok Sabha election held in 2019 for the Varanasi constituency, situated in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, witnessed a high-profile electoral battle that captured national and international attention. Varanasi, one of the oldest and holiest cities in India, holds immense cultural, historical, and religious significance, making the electoral outcome of this constituency highly anticipated.
The winning candidate in the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency was Narendra Modi from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Modi's victory marked a significant moment in Indian political history as he secured a second consecutive term as the Prime Minister of India. His decision to contest from Varanasi, a sacred city on the banks of the Ganges River, was symbolic of his commitment to the Hindu nationalist agenda and his aspirations for inclusive development in the region.
The top three candidates besides Narendra Modi were Ajay Rai from the Indian National Congress (INC) and Shalini Yadav from the Samajwadi Party (SP).
Ajay Rai, representing the Indian National Congress, emerged as a prominent contender in the electoral race. Rai, a local leader with deep roots in Varanasi's political landscape, aimed to challenge Modi's dominance in the constituency by focusing on issues such as unemployment, poverty alleviation, and agrarian distress.
Shalini Yadav, fielded by the Samajwadi Party, was another significant player in the electoral contest. Yadav, a former civil servant and social activist, sought to mobilize support from marginalized communities and women voters by highlighting the SP's commitment to social justice and empowerment.
The election in Varanasi witnessed intense campaigning and massive public rallies, with Narendra Modi leading the charge for the BJP and drawing huge crowds with his charismatic oratory and promises of transformative governance. Opposition parties also campaigned vigorously, seeking to capitalize on local grievances and disenchantment with the ruling party.
Key issues that dominated the political discourse in Varanasi included development, infrastructure, cleanliness, and religious tourism. Candidates from all parties engaged in extensive outreach programs, door-to-door campaigns, and social media strategies to connect with voters and sway their support.
Narendra Modi's victory in Varanasi reaffirmed his popularity and mass appeal across the country, as he secured a landslide victory with a massive margin of votes. His win underscored the BJP's stronghold in Uttar Pradesh and its successful electoral strategy of leveraging Modi's strong leadership and Hindutva ideology.
Overall, the 2019 Lok Sabha election results for the Varanasi constituency reflected the larger political dynamics at play in India, with Narendra Modi's resounding victory symbolizing the continuation of the BJP's dominance in national politics and the reaffirmation of Modi's status as a formidable leader on the Indian political landscape.
Results for the Lok Sabha election held in 2019 for the Varanasi constituency:
Winning Candidate: Narendra Modi (BJP)
Total Votes Received: 674664
Vote Percentage: 63.62
Losing Candidate: Shalini Yadav (SP)
Total Votes Received: 195159
Vote Percentage: 18.40
In Uttar Pradesh, the Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases for the 80 constituencies.
Polling Dates:
Phase 1: April 19
Phase 2: April 26
Phase 3: May 7
Phase 4: May 13
Phase 5: May 20
Phase 6: May 25
Phase 7: June 1
Elections for the 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held between April 19 and June 1 in seven phases. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha Polls will be held on June 4.
