LUCKNOW: The Ramabai Ambedkar Rally Sthal, known for its huge capacity to host huge crowds during political events, is yet to book any major political rally this election season. Covering an area of 163.77 acres, with nearly 60 acres of rally grounds, it can accommodate up to 500,000 people and can accommodate an additional 100,000 people.
The greening rate of the site is 35%, including large assembly areas, dormitories, administrative buildings, temporary tents, four parking lots and VVIP rooms.
Despite its strategic location and adequate facilities, the rally venue has remained largely quiet this season, unlike in previous elections when parties such as the BSP and the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2012 and 2013 Massive rallies were held. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held grand rallies here in 2014 and 2017. Since then, there have been no major political rallies, except for a few smaller rallies.
With no bookings in sight, the iconic rally venue has now become a hub for PAC and poll-related activities, for storing EVMs and counting votes. As the campaign progresses, political observers are closely watching whether political parties will eventually return to the landmark venue for large rallies.
VC LDA Indramani Tripathi said, “We are happy to provide the rally venue for political rallies as the venue has been specially developed for the purpose.”
This year, instead of holding bustling grand rallies, political parties have opted for mini-nukads, roadshows and virtual platforms to connect with voters. Social media, live events and targeted digital campaigns have become the new normal. These digital channels enable politicians to reach wider audiences without the logistical challenges and expenses associated with organizing large rallies.
Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Varma said: “Candidates can only spend $With 9.5 million people participating in the campaign, organizing large rallies is very difficult. “
Professor Manuka Khanna, head of the political science department at Lucknow University, said: “There are multiple reasons for the shift from large political rallies held at venues like the Ramabai Ambedkar Sthal to virtual campaigning. One contributing factor is the The sheer cost of gatherings at scale. In addition to venue rental costs, parties must consider transportation, security, accommodation, and various other logistical needs. Virtual platforms offer a more cost-effective alternative, allowing parties to focus their resources. Engage voters through social media campaigns and targeted advertising.”
“Another factor is the changing demographics of the electorate. Younger voters are more tech-savvy and they tend to engage with political content online rather than attending physical events,” she said.
Political analysts say political parties are opting for smaller, more localized events or virtual campaigning, reducing the need for large rallies at traditional venues such as the Ramabai Ambedkar Rally Sthal.