After a nail-biting Lok Sabha election, the stage is now set for another political showdown in Uttar Pradesh. This time, it’s the bypolls in 10 Assembly seats including the Milkipur seat that will determine the fate of parties and their leaders. The big question: Will the Akhilesh Yadav-Rahul Gandhi bonhomie continue to thrive?
The Trigger for Bypolls
Nine MLAs from the ruling BJP and the primary opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) secured Lok Sabha seats, leading most of them to resign from the assembly to retain their parliamentary positions. Additionally, the Sishamau assembly seat is set to be vacated after its MLA, Irfan Solanki, received a 7-year imprisonment sentence in an arson case. These vacancies have paved the way for the by-elections, making it a crucial test for all major parties in the state.
Key Battleground: Milkipur Assembly Seat
Among the key battlegrounds is Ayodhya’s Milkipur assembly bypoll 2024. Despite the city’s makeover and the construction of the Ram temple, the BJP lost this seat.
In the recent Lok Sabha election, Samajwadi Party’s Awadhesh Prasad, a nine-time MLA and former Minister from the Pasi (Scheduled Caste) community, defeated two-time BJP MP Lallu Singh by over 55,000 votes. This unexpected outcome has left political analysts and residents alike pondering the reasons behind the BJP’s defeat.
The Samajwadi Party (SP), which secured 37 out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the State, based its campaign on the slogan: “Na Mathura, na Kashi, abki baar Awadhesh Pasi” (Neither Mathura nor Kashi, this time Awadesh Pasi).
BJP having been defeated by a Pasi candidate in Faizabad, is now contemplating fielding a Pasi candidate in the Milkipur bypoll. This move is seen as a strategic effort to reclaim the seat by appealing to the local demographics and addressing previous electoral shortcomings.
SP’s Strategy and Key Candidates
Meanwhile, the SP is likely to nominate Akhilesh Yadav’s nephew and former Mainpuri MP, Tej Pratap Yadav, for the Karhal assembly seat. Akhilesh himself won this seat in 2022, defeating BJP candidate and former SP leader SP Singh Baghel by a significant margin. This nomination is part of the SP’s broader strategy to leverage its prominent family members and maintain a stronghold in key regions.
Congress in the Fray
The Congress, too, is in the mix. UP Congress in-charge Avinash Pandey and UP Congress chief Ajay Rai have confirmed that the alliance with the SP will continue in the 2027 assembly elections. With Dalit and non-Yadav-OBC votes shifting toward the SP, both parties are keen to maintain their winning momentum. The continued alliance is expected to bolster the chances of both parties, providing a united front against the BJP.
BJP’s Fight for Prestige
For the BJP, the Milkipur bypoll represents a fight for prestige. Despite the Modi-Yogi factor and a double-engine government at the state and center, the party’s performance in the Lok Sabha elections was below average. The BJP is determined to turn the tide in Milkipur, seeing this bypoll as an opportunity to regain lost ground and reaffirm its influence in the region.
BJP’s Strategic Moves
Candidate Selection: The BJP is carefully considering its candidate for the Milkipur bypoll. By potentially fielding a Pasi candidate, the party aims to resonate with the local electorate and address the factors that led to their previous defeat.
Campaign Efforts: Intensive campaign efforts are expected, with senior leaders, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, likely to hit the ground to rally support.
Development Promises: Highlighting the development work done under the BJP government, both at the state and central levels, will be a key component of the campaign narrative.
The SP-Congress Alliance: A Strong Contender
The SP-Congress alliance is gearing up to present a formidable challenge to the BJP. The partnership between Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi has been a topic of much discussion, with both leaders working to ensure that their coalition remains strong and effective. The alliance’s focus on social justice, inclusive development, and strong grassroots connections is expected to play a crucial role in the bypolls.
SP’s Campaign Strategy
Grassroots Mobilization: Engaging with local communities and addressing their specific needs and concerns is a priority for the SP.
Prominent Candidates: By fielding well-known and influential candidates like Tej Pratap Yadav, the SP aims to leverage its strong leadership and familial ties.
Alliance Strength: Emphasizing the strength of the SP-Congress alliance and its track record in recent elections will be a key message.
Congress’s Role and Impact
The Congress’s role in the alliance is pivotal, especially in consolidating votes from various communities. The party’s efforts to revive its organizational structure and grassroots presence in Uttar Pradesh are ongoing. By collaborating closely with the SP, the Congress aims to enhance its electoral prospects and contribute significantly to the alliance’s success.
Congress’s Focus Areas
Dalit and Minority Outreach: Strengthening connections with Dalit and minority communities to secure their support.
Youth Engagement: Mobilizing young voters through targeted campaigns and addressing issues pertinent to the youth.
Campaign Coordination: Ensuring seamless coordination with the SP to present a united and cohesive front.
As the battle lines are drawn, all eyes are on Milkipur. The bypolls are more than just a test of party strength; they are a reflection of the political dynamics and voter sentiments in Uttar Pradesh. The results will not only determine the immediate future of the involved constituencies but also set the tone for the upcoming 2027 assembly elections.
Conclusion
The Milkipur Assembly bypoll is a significant event in the political calendar of Uttar Pradesh. It represents a critical juncture for all major parties, each seeking to assert their dominance and influence. For the BJP, it’s a battle to reclaim lost ground and demonstrate their strength. For the SP-Congress alliance, it’s an opportunity to solidify their partnership and continue their winning streak.
As the bypolls approach, the political atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh is charged with anticipation and excitement. The strategies, campaigns, and efforts of all parties will be closely watched, making the Milkipur bypoll a pivotal moment in the state’s political narrative. Stay tuned for more updates and analyses as the election unfolds.
