Poll potion garnished with pitched battle & Yadav clan
As Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha election unfolds in Uttar Pradesh, the political landscape braces for intense clashes and strategic manoeuvres across 10 pivotal constituencies, with the spotlight on the Yadavs.
In the previous elections, the saffron flag waved over eight seats, signalling BJP’s dominance, while the bicycle symbol of the Samajwadi Party pedalled on two. However, the current political dynamics are charged with anticipation as the BJP seeks to maintain its stronghold, while the opposition scrambles to carve a path towards resurgence.
This phase, crucial for both sides, will determine the fate of three members of the influential Yadav family — Dimple, Aditya and Akshay.
Dimple Yadav, aiming to retain the Mainpuri LS seat, which she won in the bypoll following the demise of her fatherin-law Mulayam Singh Yadav, stands amid heightened scrutiny. Meanwhile, Akshay Yadav, son of Ram Gopal Yadav, the SP national principal general secretary, endeavours to reclaim Firozabad, which he previously secured in 2014.
Adding to the familial stakes, Aditya Yadav, son of SP national general secretary Shivpal Yadav, makes his electoral debut from Budaun, which was previously represented by his cousin
Dharmendra Yadav.
Beyond the Yadav family , the electorate will seal the fate of prominents like Union minister SP Singh Baghel, UP tourism minister Jayveer Singh, and minister of state for revenue Anoop Pradhan Balmiki.
With these pivotal contests underway, Phase 3 in UP promises a riveting display of political strategy and ambition as parties vie for supremacy and the Yadavs seek to reaffirm their influence in state politics. In Sambhal, the equation is intricate and the competition fierce. The entry of candidates like Ziaur Rahman Burke from SP and Parmeshwar Lal Saini from BJP, alongside former MLA Saulat Ali, heralds tough battle. BSP’s stronghold poses a challenge to SP’s traditional vote bank, intensifying the contest among Saini, Turk, and Sheikhzada communities.
Bareilly, an important seat in Rohilkhand, witnesses a straight fight between BJP’s Chhatrapal Gangwar and SP’s Praveen Singh Aron. With the absence of BSP candidate, polarisation becomes key strategy, as both parties vie for Hindu and Muslim votes, respectively.
Badaun adds a third angle to competition with BJP’s Durvijay Singh, SP’s Aditya Yadav, and BSP’s Muslim Khan vying for victory. BSP’s equation
disrupts the plans of both major contenders. This seat is important as Shivpal Yadav is launching son Aditya in national politics through this constituency.
Etah’s electoral battle is no less daunting with Rajveer Singh of BJP seeking a hattrick against SP’s Devesh Shakya and BSP’s Irfan, altering the dynamics of the traditional political equations. Kalyan Singh’s legacy looms large over this constituency as an intense fight is expected between Lodhs and Yadavs.
Aonla expects tough fight as BJP’s Dharmendra Kashyap is pitted against SP’s Neeraj Maurya with BSP’s Abid Ali aiming to alter the trajectory as a Muslim nominee will hit SP’s prospect. Fatehpur Sikri witnesses keen interest, as BJP’s Rajkumar Chahar, Congress’s Ramnath Sikarwar, and independent Ramniwas Sharma vie for victory, each relying on identity-based strategies. Caste will play a big role here. Hathras, a reserved seat for SC, sees a clash between BJP’s Anup Pradhan Valmiki, SP’s Jasveer
Valmiki and BSP’s Hembabu Dhangar. BJP has changed its incumbent MP. Mainpuri accentuates the legacy of MSY, as Dimple Yadav, BJP’s Jaiveer Singh and BSP’s Shivprasad Yadav vie for supremacy, appealing to voter sentiments. She won the 2022 bypoll after the MSY’s death. Polling will be held on May 7.