Uproar over BJP MLA Shyam Prakash’s statement ‘We win elections through tricks, not development’

A statement by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Shyam Prakash from Gopamau assembly seat in Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh has sparked a new debate in the politics of the state. During a program, MLA Shyam Prakash said that elections are not won only through development works but political tactics are also necessary to win the elections. After the video of his statement went viral on social media, the opposition has launched a scathing attack on BJP.

According to the information, MLA Shyam Prakash was addressing the former heads and local public representatives who were made administrators in his area. During this, he said that he got many development works done including roads, drains, drains etc. in many villages and towns but despite this he did not get the expected support at many booths. He said that development work alone is not enough in politics, strategy, organization and political management are also necessary to win elections. The opposition made it an issue regarding the MLA’s use of the word ‘Tikadam’.

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Akhilesh Yadav’s attack

Samajwadi Party national president and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav targeted BJP over the MLA’s statement. Responding on social media, he said that the BJP MLA himself has admitted that elections are won not on the basis of development but on the basis of tricks and dishonesty.

Akhilesh said sarcastically, ‘Now it remains to be seen whether BJP will expel this MLA from the party or declare him as its next Chief Minister candidate.’ He claimed that the people of the state will respond to all the political tricks of BJP in the 2027 assembly elections.

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Clarification given as controversy escalated

After the controversy over the statement increased, MLA Shyam Prakash gave clarification and said that his statement has been misinterpreted. He said that he did not mean to win the election in any illegal or wrong way. MLA Shyam Prakash said, ‘Elections are not won merely by constructing roads, drains and buildings. One has to constantly remain among the public. The organization at the booth level should be strong and the hard work of the workers also plays a big role in winning the elections.

He said that his statement has been presented out of context whereas he was explaining the importance of organization and public relations. After the statement of the MLA and the political reactions to it, a new debate has started in the politics of the state. The opposition is calling it an open acceptance of BJP’s election style, while BJP leaders are linking it to general political commentary and the role of the organization.