UP Election Results: Five major events that led to BJPs landslide victory in UP

PM's demonetisation drive

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 2016, announced the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 from the Indian market just before the countdown of the state polls was about to begin. His demonetisation move recieved both positive as well as negative reviews and the opposition did not spare a chance to counter target Modi and BJP in this issue. However, UP's populace favoured the move by showing such homogenous results in the elections.

Akhilesh as SP's president

On January 1,2017, in an emergency meeting Samajwadi party removed Mulayam Singh Yadav and appointed Akhilesh Yadav as party's new president which marked a new beginning for the party. With this one stroke, Akhilesh Yadav retained complete control over the party. The divide in the party was prominent and was probably the biggest reason behind the poor show in these elections.

BSP's tickets to Muslims

When BSP decided to play the muslim card by fielding around 100 Muslim candidates in the UP elections it intensified the battle for the minorities' vote. This was the first time when any mainstream political party fielded these many muslim candidates. BSP's move forced other political parties to change their strategies. However, taking this polarised stand couldn't help BSP against the wave of saffron in the state.

Congress and Samajwadi Party alliance

The alliance between Congress and Samajwadi Party was a milestone in the UP 2017 elections. After a long fight over the seat sharing, SP decided to settle for 298 seats leaving 105 for Congress. The alliance is now being considered as a major reason behind the under-performance of Samajwadi Party.

Swami Prasad Maurya's exit from BSP

Swami Prasad Maurya was a close confidant of Mayawati and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly. He left BSP on June 22, 2016, accusing the party chief of corruption and "auctioning" seats. Maurya's decision to leave came as a severe jolt to the party. His departure came at a time when his presence in the party was considered as the ticket to a sure-shot victory.