‘SP & Cong will continue to work together in Uttar Pradesh’: UP Congress president Ajay Rai | Lucknow News

UP Congress president Ajay Rai is elated over INDIA bloc’s performance in the state. He himself put up a brave front while contesting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi where the PM’s victory margin substantially dipped from 4.79 lakh in 2019 to 1.52 lakh votes against Rai this time. In conversation with Shailvee Sharda, Rai said that people rejected the politics of polarisation and voted for the country.Excerpts:

What are the key takeaways from the Lok Sabha election?

Lok Sabha elections proved that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not invincible, and that people of India hold the supreme power. It has been established that those who cannot ensure public interest and welfare will get a thumbs down from voters. People have rejected the politics of hatred and foiled all efforts of the BJP to polarize elections. It appears people resorted to strategic voting in many seats and voted for the nation.

How do you see your party’s performance in UP?

We did well. Winning six out of 17 seats is a good strike rate but the number could have been higher. We have been made to lose on certain seats. Bansgaon is an example where a candidate lost by a margin of 3,150 votes. Similarly, in Deoria, Maharajganj, Kanpur and Amroha our candidates did well in many rounds, but the BJP candidate took the lead in the final round. Had the elections been fair, the Congress tally would have been 10. Despite this, we have gained as the hard work put in by the party since 2019 to strengthen the organization has finally paid dividends. The results have energized our cadre.

Constitution or caste – which was been the bigger force that acted as a multiplier for INDIA bloc?

Constitution, for sure. People from all walks of life – SC, ST, Dalits, Muslims, OBCs, women and youth – supported the cause. The Constitution is the core of our existence as an Indian. People feared that the Modi govt would change the Constitution and the anxiety deepened when BJP candidates, MPs, MLAs reiterated this to polarize the election. INDIA bloc and Rahul Gandhi offered hope to the people and their faith shaped the election outcome.

Different surveys have come up indicating that Dalits have voted for the INDIA bloc. Do you agree?

Not just Dalits, people across caste lines have reposed faith in us. In Varanasi, Sonkars – who are said to be the traditional vote bank of BJP – have voted for me. Pasis and Kurmis voted for us in various constituencies. The economy has been affected by BJP’s faulty policies. Instead of taking remedial measures, BJP distracted people.

What worked in favour of the Congress?

BJP workers and committed RSS cadre did not venture out to campaign as they did not want to face the people. I think the workers had been failed by the leadership. Promises were not fulfilled, jobs were not created, and the people’s problems were not solved. In Varanasi, workers were sidelined, and all work was carried out by event management companies which relied on hired workforce.

Why do you say that Ram and ration did not resonate with voters?

Hindus are religious and hold a personal bond with their deity. Both PM Modi and the BJP commercialized faith. The ration given by the BJP may have been a good act, but they started taking credit for it and used it to bargain for votes. This hurt the self-respect of the people.

SP-Congress alliance has worked well so far. What next?

We will continue to work together. The leadership would devise a strategy for upcoming byelections and the future course of action.

Rahul Gandhi has said that Priyanka could have defeated PM Modi from Varanasi. Your take?

Absolutely true. Even I had urged ‘Didi’ to contest from Varanasi even before the election was notified.

Do you think you could have done better in Varanasi?

There is always room for improvement but I am satisfied that we all fought with full might despite limited resources. They had the backing of ‘businessmen friends’, govt machinery, corporates and an army of governors and CMs holding meetings. Modiji may have won the seat, but I have been able to earn the love of the people of Varanasi known for their largesse and straightforwardness, thanks to the blessings of Baba Vishwanath.