As the calendar inches closer to 2024, the looming Lok Sabha elections have shifted the political spotlight to Uttar Pradesh, a crucial battleground that holds the key to the power corridors of the nation. With 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake, UP’s electoral significance in government formation is unparalleled. In a strategic move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has used Kalyan Singh’s death anniversary to inaugurate its Mission-2024.

In a poignant programme on Monday, veteran BJP leaders asserted that the party is primed for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, intending to once again highlight its campaign to the tenets of Hindutva. The blueprint for Mission-2024 involves captivating voters in the Paschimanchal (west UP) region through the legacy of ‘Babuji’ Kalyan Singh, an icon closely associated with the Ram Mandir movement and cherished by the Hindu populace.

The construction of the Ram Mandir stands as a watershed moment for the Hindu community.

The Supreme Court’s decision in favour of the temple was embraced with immense fervour, akin to Diwali celebrations. It was as if, with this verdict, Lord Ram had reincarnated in Ayodhya once again.

Former CM Kalyan Singh played a pivotal role in the Ram Mandir movement. During his tenure, he refrained from using force against the ‘kar sevaks’ and even resigned from his position in the aftermath.

In a bid to forge a stronger emotional bond with Hindu voters, the BJP has declared his death anniversary as ‘Hindu Gaurav Diwas’ (Hindu Pride Day), establishing a resonance between the party and the electorate.

At a function to pay tributes to Kalyan Singh in Lucknow on Monday, both Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised on the significance of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Shah credited the BJP with resolving the issue promptly, after years of stasis under the Congress regime. He indicated that in January 2024, the grand temple’s consecration would take place.

Adityanath echoed the same sentiments, using the Ram temple as a cornerstone of his appeal to Hindu voters. He proclaimed that after 550 years, Lord Ram would finally adorn the majestic temple, an accomplishment facilitated only by the dual-engine government of the BJP.

The chief minister also highlighted the Cancer Institute named after ‘Babuji’ and the Government Medical College in Bulandshahr to underscore the government’s commitment to healthcare and education.

A tantalising prospect emerged during the event as Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya referred to Aligarh as ‘Harigarh’, sparking speculation about a potential name change for the district.

Hindu organisations have long advocated for renaming Aligarh to Harigarh, citing historical precedent. This mention has reignited hope among Hindu voters, suggesting that a name change could potentially bolster their support for the BJP.

“The BJP’s Mission-2024 is marked by a fervent determination to secure a resounding victory in the state, with the Ram Mandir movement’s legacy and Hindutva as central pillars. The tribute ceremony dedicated to Kalyan Singh symbolised the launch of this mission, amidst cries of ‘Jai-Jai Shri Ram’ and fervent appeals to the citizens to rally behind the BJP and bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi back to power with an overwhelming mandate. As the electoral landscape heats up, UP’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s destiny remains undisputed,” Manish Dixit, a political analyst, said.