New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) Opposition leaders on Thursday claimed that the results of the Legislative Council elections in four states reflected growing public disillusionment with the BJP, pointing to the Samajwadi Party’s gains in Uttar Pradesh and the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi’s victory in three of the five seats in Maharashtra.

Speaking to IANS, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad claimed the results had sent a message that the BJP government’s days were numbered, alleging that its policies had troubled every section of society, including the youth, farmers and business community. He also claimed that people believed the election process had been conducted forcefully.

“The MLC election results send a message that the days of the BJP government are numbered. It will remain in power only until the elections are declared, as every section of society is troubled by its policies, actions and decisions,” he said.

Samajwadi Party Spokesperson Ashutosh Verma said the party had secured decisive victories in five of the 11 seats in Uttar Pradesh, arguing that its winning margins demonstrated organisational preparedness. On the question of alliances, he said the party would follow the approach adopted in the 2024 elections and support candidates contesting their respective seats.

“In places where some people fail to get even 2,000 votes, the Samajwadi Party is winning by margins of 17,000–18,000 votes. This shows Samajwadi Party’s preparation,” he said

“About the coalition, we will follow the same pattern of 2024. This is for sure that we want people to win seats they fight on. This is Akhilesh Yadav’s motto too,” he added.

Congress MP Mallu Ravi congratulated voters in Nagpur for electing the party’s candidate and pointed to the victory in the RSS headquarters as a significant political development. He also expressed confidence that the Congress would win more seats in the coming general elections.

“I want to tell PM (Modi) and HM (Shah) that Congress is getting elected in Nagpur which is the headquarters of the RSS. Similarly, another important constituency is the PM’s constituency which the BJP lost,” he said.

“Both were won by the Congress and its allies. That shows that in the coming general elections Congress is going to win,” he added.

Meanwhile, RJD MLA Bhai Virendra called for introspection among Opposition parties, saying the Congress, as the senior partner, should have taken the initiative to resolve differences through dialogue. He alleged that the party had appeared inclined to dictate terms rather than take regional parties and smaller allies along.

“Congress leads the Opposition at the Centre, while we are a major party in Bihar and hold the Leader of Opposition’s post. It is Congress’ responsibility to coordinate with regional parties and smaller allies across states,” he said.

NCP(SP) National Spokesperson Clyde Crasto described the Maharashtra results as encouraging, saying his party had won two seats and the Congress one, giving the MVA three of the five seats. He said the outcome was disappointing for the ruling alliance despite its governments at the Centre and in the state.

The elections to 28 Legislative Council seats were held across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka on October 23, with counting beginning on October 27.

–IANS

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