BJP Faces Defeat in Badrinath and Mangalore as Congress Emerges Victorious in Uttarakhand By-Election

In an unexpected turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) experienced a significant defeat in the Badrinath and Mangalore constituencies of Uttarakhand during the recent by-elections. The Congress party emerged victorious in both seats, marking a major political shift in the region.

The by-election in Mangalore was necessitated by the untimely demise of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA. On the other hand, Badrinath saw a shift in loyalties as Vasundhara Rajput, the Congress MLA, joined the BJP right before the Lok Sabha elections. Today, the results of both constituencies have been declared, with the Congress party securing wins on both fronts.

Despite claims of a ‘masterstroke’ by bringing Rajendra Bhandari into the BJP fold by Anil Baluni, the Member of Parliament from Garhwal, the electorate did not resonate with the forced induction of candidates. The people’s verdict clearly rejected the entry of imposed candidates and party turncoats.

The results in Badrinath and Mangalore reflected the sentiments of the electorate who felt a sense of deception by the candidates parachuted into the fray. Rajendra Singh Bhandari, a Thakur community leader with a staunch following in the region, faced a setback as the BJP tasted defeat in Badrinath.

With the eyes now set on the assembly polls, this by-election outcome serves as a warning for parties trying to manipulate the electoral dynamics. The unique political landscape of Uttarakhand witnessed a significant upheaval as the voters sent a clear message of disillusionment with political opportunism.