Lakhimpur Kheri takes centre stage ahead of 2022 UP elections

Opposition faces the challenge of sustaining the momentum generated after its protests against violence

LUCKNOW: An agitated though divided opposition faces the major challenge of sustaining the momentum that has been generated after its protests against violence in Lakhimpur Kheri that is now becoming a political battleground following the death of eight people on Sunday. The violence erupted after a car allegedly ran over the farmers protesting against the three new farm laws.

Union minister of state Ajay Mishra’s son is being targeted for the violence and the issue has found a place on the centre stage of politics, giving added ammunition to the opposition to target the BJP ahead of the 2022 assembly election in Uttar Pradesh.

This became evident from the manner in which the leaders of major opposition parties, including Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and others, made attempts to reach Lakhimpur Kheri and meet the families of farmers affected by the violence.

If the Opposition is able to keep the focus on Lakhimpur Kheri violence and other issues concerning farmers, it may find itself in an advantageous position in the coming weeks.

Much will, however, depend on the progress or outcome of investigations in the case registered with regard to the incident. Union minister Ajay Mishra has already claimed the innocence of his son, saying his son was not present on the spot when the violence took place. The BJP may find an opportunity to bounce

The state govt has tried to pacify the sentiments of farmers. But the issue is bound to prove disadvantageous to the BJP

AK SINGH, former director, Giri Institute of Dev Studies, Lucknow

back ahead of polls if the investigations find substance in accusations being made against a section of persons among agitating farmers for indulging in violence. “Yes, the Opposition will try to take advantage of the Lakhimpur Kheri issue in the 2022 assembly election. Eight persons have died. The unfortunate incident has taken place before the state goes into poll mode. This is not good news for the ruling BJP. The Lakhimpur Kheri issue is likely to remain on the centre stage of politics till the assembly polls,” said Professor SK Dwivedi, former head of the department of political science at Lucknow University.

“A large section of farmers is not happy with the BJP government, mainly in the west UP region. The state government has tried to pacify the sentiments of farmers by making certain promises and providing financial assistance. But the issue is bound to prove disadvantageous to the BJP,” said AK Singh, former director, Giri Institute of Development Studies, Lucknow.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister is scheduled to launch three-day urban conclave and watch Ayodhya the masterplan and futuristic 3D model of the temple town, in Lucknow on Tuesday.