NEW DELHI: Satna’s significant political sway sees BJP’s stronghold with MP Ganesh Singh aiming for another term, backed by locals’ satisfaction.
Satna Lok Sabha Constituency in Madhya Pradesh wields considerable political influence within Indian politics, especially since its selection under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Smart City Mission. Comprising seven Vidhan Sabha seats—Chitrakoot, Nagod, Rampur-Baghelan, Raigaon, Maihar, Satna, and Amarpatan—this region has drawn attention for its developmental strides. Locals, despite facing some development challenges, express satisfaction with the work accomplished by the incumbent four-time Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, Ganesh Singh. The prevailing sentiment in Satna leans favourably towards the BJP, a trend expected to translate into electoral outcomes, as per political observers.
The BJP holds a firm grip on this constituency, with Ganesh Singh securing the seat since 2004. In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Singh clinched victory with a significant margin of 231,473 votes over his Congress rival, Rajaram Tripathi, who garnered 357,280 votes. All seven assembly segments constituting the Satna Lok Sabha constituency sided with Singh.
While in the 2021 assembly elections, the BJP claimed victory in five out of seven assembly seats. Once again, the BJP has entrusted Ganesh Singh, a four-time incumbent, to contest against Congress’ Siddharth Kushwaha. Sajal Jain, a voter from the Nagod assembly constituency, conveyed to The Sunday Guardian that the BJP’s initiatives, such as flyover construction and road development, have positively impacted their area, earning their satisfaction. Jain further expressed, “In the Lok Sabha election, I voted with PM Modi’s leadership in mind, hoping to see him serve as Prime Minister for a third term.”
Anurag Rajak, a voter from the Maihar assembly, acknowledged the BJP’s contributions in boosting tourism and enhancing the local transport system.
Historical electoral data underscores the BJP’s dominance, having clinched victory in the past six elections in Satna. Additionally, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) maintains a notable presence in this constituency. The BJP has secured this seat seven times, while the Congress has won it four times, and the BSP and Bharatiya Jana Sangh have each claimed victory once.
Satna represents a diverse demographic and remains a pivotal constituency in Madhya Pradesh. Geographically situated in the Baghelkhand division of the Vindhya region, Satna’s political landscape bears the imprint of its history, including the legacy of princely states.
While the Thakur community’s influence persists, the constituency predominantly comprises voters from the Other Backward Classes. However, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes constitute significant proportions, with populations of 38,978 and 9,381, respectively, according to the 2011 census. Satna heads to the polls in the second phase on April 26, with results expected on June 4.