Growing influence of Purvanchali voters in Delhi politics: Center of election strategies

Purvanchali voters are playing a decisive role in Delhi politics. More than 22% Purvanchali voters are present in the capital, who have the potential to decide victory and defeat on 27 assembly seats. Due to these reasons, politics regarding the respect of Purvanchal has intensified, and all political parties are making every possible effort to help this class.

Arvind Kejriwal’s statement and BJP’s opposition

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s statement on the people of UP-Bihar heated up the political atmosphere. BJP immediately capitalized on it and linked it to Purvanchali respect. The reason behind this is the large population of Purvanchalis in Delhi and their political power.

Purvanchali voters and their power

• There are about 22% Purvanchali voters in Delhi.
• These voters have a direct impact on 27 assembly seats.
• In many seats their number ranges from 25% to 38%.

Major seats where there is Purvanchali influence:

Strategies of all parties: Efforts to woo Purvanchali voters

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

• In 2020 elections: AAP gave tickets to 12 candidates from Purvanchal.
• Preparation for 2025: This time also the party is giving importance to Purvanchali faces.
• Dominance of Purvanchalis: The party has focused on employment, health, and colony reforms to woo these voters.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

• BJP made Bhojpuri singer and MP Manoj Tiwari the Purvanchali face in Delhi.
• In 2016: Manoj Tiwari was made the President of Delhi BJP.
• 2017 Municipal Corporation Elections: Under Tiwari’s leadership, BJP performed brilliantly with 181 councillors.
• BJP’s focus has been on connecting Purvanchalis culturally and politically.

Congress and other parties

• Before 2013: Congress held power for 15 years through social engineering of Brahmins, Muslims and Purvanchalis.
• 2020 Elections: JDU, RJD and LJP tried to woo Purvanchali voters by forming an alliance, but they did not get much success.

Primary problems of Purvanchali voters

Purvanchali voters mainly live in kutcha colonies and their major problems are:

1. Reduction in water supply.
2. Lack of sewer network.
3. Bad road conditions.
4. Lack of employment opportunities.
5. Lack of health facilities (absence of dispensary).

To solve these problems, political parties make promises and present schemes during election campaigns.

Effect of organizing Purvanchali society

Dr. Chandrachud Singh, an expert in political science, believes that Purvanchali voters have been organized culturally and politically in the last 15-20 years.

• It is because of this organization that political parties have started taking them seriously.
• Their influence on 27 seats forces the parties to change their strategy.

Successful model of BJP and Manoj Tiwari

BJP’s decision to make Manoj Tiwari the Purvanchali face in Delhi was very beneficial for the party:

1. Won Lok Sabha elections thrice.
2. Great performance of BJP in 2017 Municipal Corporation elections.
3. An attempt to strengthen Purvanchali cultural identity.