Current CM of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath (BJP)

Leader of Opposition: Mata Prasad Pandey (SP)

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Mayawati

Indian National Congress (INC): Ajay Rai

Rashtriya Lok Dal: Jayant Chaudhary

Apna Dal (Soneylal): Anupriya Patel

Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party: Om Prakash Rajbhar

NISHAD Party: Sanjay Nishad

Jansatta Dal (Loktantrik): Akshay Pratap Singh

Politics:
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, plays a pivotal role in the country’s political landscape. Its politics are characterized by a complex interplay of regional and national forces. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has emphasized development, law and order, and Hindutva ideology. The Samajwadi Party (SP), founded by Mulayam Singh Yadav, champions social justice and the interests of the Yadav and Muslim communities, while the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), led by Mayawati, represents Dalits and other marginalized groups. Despite its historical significance, the Indian National Congress (INC) has struggled to maintain its influence in recent years. The state’s electoral dynamics are crucial due to its 80 Lok Sabha constituencies, making it a major battleground in national elections. Key issues in Uttar Pradesh include development, infrastructure, and healthcare, with caste and religion often playing significant roles in shaping political discourse and campaigns.
In Uttar Pradesh, political activities are governed by a framework of regulations and permissions, primarily overseen by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and local authorities. Political parties must first be registered with the ECI, which involves submitting an application that includes the party’s constitution and details of its office bearers. This registration allows the party to field candidates in elections.
Governance:
Uttar Pradesh operates under a parliamentary system of representative democracy with a bicameral legislature consisting of the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) and the Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council). The Legislative Assembly has 404 members elected for five years, while the Legislative Council is a permanent body of 100 members, with one-third retiring every two years. The state contributes 80 seats to the Lok Sabha and 31 to the Rajya Sabha.
Administration:
Administratively, Uttar Pradesh is divided into 18 divisions and 75 districts. Each division is managed by a Divisional Commissioner, while district administration is led by a District Magistrate, both typically IAS officers. Block-level administration is overseen by Block Development Officers (BDOs), and law enforcement is headed by a Director General of Police, with each district managed by a Superintendent of Police. Forest management falls under the Divisional Forest Officer.
The judiciary includes the Allahabad High Court in Prayagraj, with a Lucknow Bench, district and session courts, and lower courts at the tehsil level. The Chief Justice of the High Court is appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Supreme Court Chief Justice and the Uttar Pradesh governor. The judiciary is further divided into the Uttar Pradesh Civil Judicial Services and Higher Judicial Services, with district courts supervised by District Judges.
Lok Sabha:
- 1952: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1957: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1962: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1967: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1971: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1977: Janata Party
- 1980: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1984: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1989: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1991: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1996: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- 1998: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- 1999: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- 2004: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 2009: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 2014: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- 2019: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- 2024: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Rajya Sabha:
- 1952: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1957: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1962: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1967: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1972: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1978: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1984: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1990: Indian National Congress (INC)
- 1996: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- 2002: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- 2008: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- 2014: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- 2020: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- 2022: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Political Parties:
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- Samajwadi Party (SP)
- Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
- Indian National Congress (INC)
- Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD)
- Apna Dal
- Qatar-e-Millat (QM)
- Jansatta Dal (Loktantrik)
- Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))
- Communist Party of India (CPI)
- Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party
Political Disputes:
Political disputes in Uttar Pradesh often center around electoral conflicts, inter-party rivalries, and governance challenges. Electoral disputes frequently arise from allegations of rigging, voter intimidation, and violence, leading to legal battles and demands for recounts. Inter-party conflicts, particularly between major players like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are common, with contentious issues including governance and communal tensions. Additionally, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and SP have had their share of disputes and shifting alliances based on electoral strategies. Governance issues also fuel disputes, particularly concerning the allocation of resources for development projects and infrastructure. Disagreements over the effectiveness and fairness of implementation, as well as law and order management, often lead to political friction and public criticism.