UP proved to be a Waterloo for BJP, with the party getting a major setback in the state. In initial party reports, there was high anti-incumbency against several sitting MPs in UP and it was expected that BJP would make several changes. The party did make some changes but at large, it relied on sitting MPs who were winning for two consecutive terms. With PM Modi’s guarantee and extensive campaign, BJP believed that it would overcome the anti-incumbency against sitting candidates. However, that didn’t materialise, with the party incurring heavy losses.
