Yogi’s city Gorakhpur records lowest polling - is it warning call for BJP

Gorakhpur, the native city of Chief Minister has given a thumbs down to the Local Body elections as it polled just over 35 per cent votes in the first phase of poling on Wednesday even after Yogi Adityanath extensively campaigned in the area and asked people to vote.

The figure of the first phase of polling released by State Election Commission is shocking. Against the total percentage of 53 per cent recorded in first phase of polling Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation recorded the lowest 35.62 – which is lowest since 1995. The city had recorded a turnout of 38.3 per cent in the previous civic election in 2012. The Gorakhpur district, which comprises rural area voted for Municipal Board polled 39.33 per cent votes.

Among the Municipal Corporation areas Meerut recorded the highest 50 per cent polls followed by newly formed Faizabad-Ayodhya Municipal Corporation which polled 49.98 per cent. Kanpur polled 44.28 percent while Agra’s polling percentage was 39.76.

The polling in urban areas during civic elections is always low but after Yogi became Chief Minister it was believed that people in Gorakhpur will show some enthusiasm and come out to vote. Yogi has himself addressed three public meetings and had asked people to use their right of franchise.

“This is shocking as why people are so indifferent towards polling in Gorakhpur. There could be two reasons – one people think BJP will sweep elections and there is no need to vote and two, there is an indication of BJP may face reversal as people stayed away from polling because of their anger against GST and demonetisation,” Dr S.P. Pandey, of Lucknow based Govind Ballabh Institute of studies in Rural Development said.

Dr Pandey said that it is a matter of analysis as why people did not listen to the appeal of Yogi and polled less than what they did last time. “People are angry with the policies of both BJP governments – Centre and State. The traders are still grappling with GST Raj and there is indication that their anger might prove costly for them,” he said.

“The Baniyas are traditionally BJP supporters. They are angry with GST rule and as they do not have an option they might have not gone to vote which has resulted in decline in polling percentage,” he said.

The polling percentage has also brought crease on the forehead of BJP leaders. On Wednesday night after polling percentage was made public CM held a meeting with senior leaders. What confabulated among leaders in that meeting is not sure but when he came out after an hour he declared that opposition are not in fight. The first phase of polling has taken wind out of their sail, he said.

The brave face which CM presented will hold good in next two phases too only the time will tell.