Samajwadi’s Kannauj legacy: Akhilesh to put in all efforts

In the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, Kannauj, a political spectacle is unfolding as former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav braces himself for an electoral contest. The battleground is not just any constituency. It is a symbolic arena where familial legacies clash and political fortunes are made or broken.

Akhilesh Yadav’s decision to contest from Kannauj is not just a political move but an attempt to avenge his wife Dimple Yadav’s defeat in the last election. The loss still lingers, driving Akhilesh with a resolve to reclaim Kannauj for Samajwadi Party, a bastion nurtured by his father Mulayam Singh Yadav. “The wounds of defeat run deep, so does our determination,” declares Akhilesh, his voice resonating with unwavering resolve. “Kannauj is more than just a constituency. It’s a symbol of our legacy. We will not let it slip away.”

SP’S MEMORABLE PAST In the 1990s, MSY expanded his influence in Kannauj, a constituency dominated by Yadavs and Muslims, transforming it into a stronghold for SP’s first family. In 16 elections in Kannauj since 1967, Yadavs emerged victorious 10 times, while non-Yadav candidates secured a win six times. SP clinched victory seven times.

HIGH-OCTANE CONTEST

BJP’s Subrat Pathak is gearing up for what he dubs a “high-voltage contest”, drawing parallels with an India-Pakistan cricket match. “I am ready to throw googlies which SP cannot to read,” asserts Pathak, exuding confidence in his ability to thwart Akhilesh's ambitions.

Journalists paint a picture of a grudge match, where past defeats fuel present ambitions. “Akhilesh’s candidacy this time is fuelled by a desire to avenge his wife’s defeat in the last elections,” observes Ram Mani Mishra, a seasoned journalist in Kannauj.

Kannauj has long been synonymous with SP dominance. For decades, Yadavs have held sway. Yet, cracks began to appear here in 2019 when Subrat Pathak, a BJP candidate, dealt a blow and defeated Dimple Yadav, breaking the family’s winning streak.

HEAVY DUTY ASSIGNMENT

As Akhilesh returns to Kannauj for the fourth time, he faces a Herculean task: Reclaiming family’s stronghold. It is a battle not just for political supremacy but for the preservation of MSY’s legacy.

Polling in Kannauj is slated on May 13.