**1991 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Election**
**Definition:**
The 1991 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly election was a significant state-level election held in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh to elect members to the 425-seat legislative assembly. This election marked a pivotal moment in the state’s political history, reflecting the rise of regional parties and the shifting dynamics of Indian politics in the early 1990s.
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## 1991 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Election
The 1991 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly election was conducted to elect representatives for all 425 constituencies of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. The election was held in the backdrop of intense political and social changes in India, including the rise of identity politics, the Mandal Commission implementation, and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. These factors significantly influenced the electoral outcomes and the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state.
### Background
Uttar Pradesh, often considered a bellwether state in Indian politics, has historically played a crucial role in shaping national political trends. The early 1990s were a period of considerable political volatility in the state. The previous assembly election in 1989 had resulted in a fractured mandate, with no single party gaining a clear majority. The Indian National Congress, which had dominated Uttar Pradesh politics for decades, was losing ground to emerging regional parties and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The socio-political environment was charged with the implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations, which proposed reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions. This move polarized the electorate along caste lines. Simultaneously, the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, spearheaded by the BJP and allied organizations, was gaining momentum, mobilizing Hindu nationalist sentiments.
### Political Parties and Alliances
Several major political parties contested the 1991 election:
– **Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):** The BJP was emerging as a formidable force in Uttar Pradesh, capitalizing on the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and Hindu nationalist rhetoric. The party sought to consolidate Hindu votes and expand its base beyond urban centers.
– **Janata Dal:** The Janata Dal, a party with a strong OBC support base, was influential in the state, especially after the Mandal Commission’s recommendations. It aimed to represent backward classes and minorities.
– **Indian National Congress (INC):** Once dominant, the Congress was struggling to maintain its influence amid rising regional and caste-based parties. It attempted to retain its traditional vote bank but faced erosion from both the BJP and Janata Dal.
– **Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP):** Founded in 1984, the BSP was gaining traction among Dalits and other marginalized communities. The party sought to challenge the dominance of upper-caste parties and promote social justice.
– **Other regional parties and independents:** Various smaller parties and independent candidates also contested, reflecting the fragmented nature of Uttar Pradesh politics.
### Election Campaign
The 1991 election campaign was marked by intense communal and caste-based mobilization. The BJP’s campaign heavily emphasized the Ram Janmabhoomi issue, promising the construction of a temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. This issue polarized voters and heightened communal tensions.
The Janata Dal and BSP focused on social justice themes, advocating for the rights and representation of backward classes and Dalits. The Congress campaigned on its legacy and promises of development but struggled to counter the rising tide of identity politics.
The election was also held in a tense security environment due to communal riots and political violence related to the Ayodhya dispute.
### Election Results
The election results reflected the changing political landscape of Uttar Pradesh:
– **Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):** The BJP emerged as the single largest party, winning a significant number of seats and making substantial gains compared to the previous election. This success was attributed to the party’s effective mobilization of Hindu nationalist sentiments and consolidation of upper-caste and middle-class votes.
– **Janata Dal:** The Janata Dal secured a considerable number of seats, maintaining its position as a key player in the state’s politics, particularly among OBC voters.
– **Indian National Congress (INC):** The Congress suffered a major setback, losing many seats and its status as the dominant party in the state.
– **Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP):** The BSP increased its representation, reflecting growing support among Dalits and marginalized communities.
The fragmented mandate led to a coalition government formation, with the BJP playing a central role.
### Aftermath and Significance
The 1991 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly election was a watershed moment in the state’s political history. It underscored the decline of the Indian National Congress and the rise of identity-based politics centered on caste and religion. The BJP’s electoral success marked the beginning of its ascendancy in Uttar Pradesh, which would have profound implications for both state and national politics.
The election also highlighted the increasing importance of regional parties like the Janata Dal and BSP, which represented specific social groups and challenged the traditional political order. The political realignments following the election set the stage for future coalition governments and the complex interplay of caste and communal politics in Uttar Pradesh.
The communal polarization during the campaign and election period also foreshadowed the communal tensions that would escalate in the state in subsequent years, particularly related to the Ayodhya dispute.
### Key Statistics
| Party | Seats Won | Vote Share (%) |
|—————————|———–|—————-|
| Bharatiya Janata Party | 221 | Approx. 34% |
| Janata Dal | 92 | Approx. 20% |
| Indian National Congress | 46 | Approx. 25% |
| Bahujan Samaj Party | 12 | Approx. 8% |
| Others and Independents | 54 | Approx. 13% |
| **Total** | 425 | 100% |
*Note: The above figures are approximate and based on historical election data.*
### Electoral Process and Administration
The election was conducted under the supervision of the Election Commission of India, ensuring adherence to democratic norms and procedures. Voting was carried out using the first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with the highest number of votes in each constituency was declared the winner.
Given the volatile political climate, security arrangements were stringent to prevent electoral violence and ensure free and fair polling. The election was held in multiple phases to manage logistics and security concerns effectively.
### Impact on Subsequent Elections
The 1991 election results influenced the political trajectory of Uttar Pradesh for the next decade. The BJP’s rise in the state was consolidated in subsequent elections, culminating in its dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The BSP and Janata Dal continued to play significant roles, often forming alliances and coalitions.
The decline of the Congress in Uttar Pradesh mirrored its diminishing influence nationally during the 1990s. The election also demonstrated the increasing salience of caste and communal identities in electoral politics, a trend that has continued to shape the state’s political landscape.
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## Conclusion
The 1991 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly election was a landmark event that reshaped the political contours of the state. It marked the decline of the Congress party, the rise of the BJP as a major political force, and the growing influence of caste-based parties like the Janata Dal and BSP. The election reflected broader social and political changes in India during the early 1990s, including the assertion of identity politics and the mobilization of religious sentiments. Its outcomes had lasting implications for governance, communal relations, and electoral politics in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
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**Meta Description:**
The 1991 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly election was a pivotal state election that marked the rise of the BJP and the decline of the Congress, reflecting the growing influence of caste and communal politics in India’s most populous state.