Hours after Mayawati announced her plans of going solo in all future elections thus ending the SP-BSP alliance, the BJP took a swipe at Akhilesh Yadav, saying he has been “punished” by the BSP supremo as he “betrayed” his father and uncle for power.

Uttar Pradesh BJP spokesperson Harish Srivastava said the SP-BSP alliance was an opportunistic coming together of the two parties just for the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

BSP chief Mayawati sought votes from the Dalits and marginalised them. She cannot think about anyone beyond her family. Her history is full of betrayals. On the other hand, Akhilesh Yadav had termed corruption and nepotism as socialism.

He should have thought 100 times before joining hands with Mayawati for opportunistic and selfish politics,” Srivastava said in a statement. He said the BJP “saved” Mayawati’s life and honour, established her in politics and made her chief minister. But she has been “disloyal to the BJP…how can she be loyal to the SP?” The English proverb ‘as you sow so shall you reap’ appropriately captures the goings-on in the state politics, he claimed.

“For power, Akhilesh Yadav betrayed his father Mulayam Singh Yadav and uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav. Now he has been punished by Mayawati’s betrayal,” he said. Earlier in the day, Mayawati declared her party in the future will contest all elections “small and big” on its own, ending the Bahujan Samaj Party-Samajwadi Party alliance forged for the Lok Sabha polls. The BSP chief, known to have made and broken many an alliance in her political journey, said her party had adhered to the ‘gathbandhan’ dharma in the interest of the country but was now forced to do a rethink.

Hours after Mayawati announced her plans of going solo in all future elections thus ending the SP-BSP alliance, the BJP took a swipe at Akhilesh Yadav, saying he has been “punished” by the BSP supremo as he “betrayed” his father and uncle for power.

Hours after Mayawati announced her plans of going solo in all future elections thus ending the SP-BSP alliance, the BJP took a swipe at Akhilesh Yadav, saying he has been “punished” by the BSP supremo as he “betrayed” his father and uncle for power. Uttar Pradesh BJP spokesperson Harish Srivastava said the SP-BSP alliance was an opportunistic coming together of the two parties just for the Lok Sabha polls. BSP chief Mayawati sought votes from the Dalits and marginalised them. She cannot think about anyone beyond her family. Her history is full of betrayals. On the other hand, Akhilesh Yadav had termed corruption and nepotism as socialism. He should have thought 100 times before joining hands with Mayawati for opportunistic and selfish politics,” Srivastava said in a statement. He said the BJP “saved” Mayawati’s life and honour, established her in politics and made her chief minister. But she has been “disloyal to the BJP…how can she be loyal to the SP?” The English proverb ‘as you sow so shall you reap’ appropriately captures the goings-on in the state politics, he claimed. “For power, Akhilesh Yadav betrayed his father Mulayam Singh Yadav and uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav. Now he has been punished by Mayawati’s betrayal,” he said. Earlier in the day, Mayawati declared her party in the future will contest all elections “small and big” on its own, ending the Bahujan Samaj Party-Samajwadi Party alliance forged for the Lok Sabha polls. The BSP chief, known to have made and broken many an alliance in her political journey, said her party had adhered to the ‘gathbandhan’ dharma in the interest of the country but was now forced to do a rethink.

Akhilesh betrayed his father and uncle, now he has been punished by Mayawati: BJP

Terming the SP-BSP alliance as a `scientific experiment` which did not succeed, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/samajwadi-party-to-go-solo-in-uttar-pradesh-assembly-bypolls-if-bsp-tie-ends-akhilesh-yadav-224248">SP chief Akhilesh Yadav </a>on Wednesday said that his respect for BSP supremo Mayawati remained intact even after they have parted ways.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-rld-announces-it-will-fight-up-assembly-bypolls-alone-224447">Now RLD announces it will fight UP assembly bypolls alone</a>

"I studied engineering in Mysore. As a science student, I know that all experiments do not always succeed. But still we give it a trial and learn what is lacking," said Akhilesh while talking to reporters here.

Akhilesh on Tuesday announced that his party would contest all 11 Assembly by-elections in the state after BSP chief Mayawati announced that her party has decided to contest these elections on its own following the poor performance of SP-BSP alliance in the recently held Lok Sabha elections.

Samajwadi Party had got 5 seats in the state, while BSP got 10 taking the `mahagathbandhan` tally to a dismal 15, far behind the BJP`s 62 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Maintaining that his respect for Mayawati remains intact, Akhilesh said: "In the very first press conference, I had said that my respect is Mayawati ji`s respect and even today I stand by that statement.

"To the possibility of his party joining hands with the BSP again in the UP assembly elections which are due in 2022, Akhilesh said, "We are fighting by-elections on our own. After consultation with senior party leaders, we will finalise the strategy for 2022."

"We can have different paths and different working styles and I would extend my best wishes to everybody," he added.

Extending his wishes to the whole nation on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Akhilesh said, "We all should commit to preserving Ganga-Jamuni culture and the beauty of the nation where people of all castes and religion live in harmony."

Taking on the state BJP government in the wake of the killing of his party functionary in Ghazipur, Akhilesh said, "In Amethi, a BJP leader was killed by the BJP people only and immediate action was taken by police. But in the case of SP worker who was killed in Ghazipur, no action has been taken."

"A girl was burnt alive while another girl was picked by goons in Lucknow. The whole state is reeling under lawlessness," he said.

To a query of whether he would like to extend birthday wishes to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Akhilesh quipped: "I don`t generally wish people on their birthdays. I believe we should not feel happy on our birthdays as we grow one year older."&nbsp;

Terming the SP-BSP alliance as a `scientific experiment` which did not succeed, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that his respect for BSP supremo Mayawati remained intact even after they have parted ways.

Terming the SP-BSP alliance as a `scientific experiment` which did not succeed, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that his respect for BSP supremo Mayawati remained intact even after they have parted ways. Also read: Now RLD announces it will fight UP assembly bypolls alone "I studied engineering in Mysore. As a science student, I know that all experiments do not always succeed. But still we give it a trial and learn what is lacking," said Akhilesh while talking to reporters here. Akhilesh on Tuesday announced that his party would contest all 11 Assembly by-elections in the state after BSP chief Mayawati announced that her party has decided to contest these elections on its own following the poor performance of SP-BSP alliance in the recently held Lok Sabha elections. Samajwadi Party had got 5 seats in the state, while BSP got 10 taking the `mahagathbandhan` tally to a dismal 15, far behind the BJP`s 62 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Maintaining that his respect for Mayawati remains intact, Akhilesh said: "In the very first press conference, I had said that my respect is Mayawati ji`s respect and even today I stand by that statement. "To the possibility of his party joining hands with the BSP again in the UP assembly elections which are due in 2022, Akhilesh said, "We are fighting by-elections on our own. After consultation with senior party leaders, we will finalise the strategy for 2022." "We can have different paths and different working styles and I would extend my best wishes to everybody," he added. Extending his wishes to the whole nation on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Akhilesh said, "We all should commit to preserving Ganga-Jamuni culture and the beauty of the nation where people of all castes and religion live in harmony." Taking on the state BJP government in the wake of the killing of his party functionary in Ghazipur, Akhilesh said, "In Amethi, a BJP leader was killed by the BJP people only and immediate action was taken by police. But in the case of SP worker who was killed in Ghazipur, no action has been taken." "A girl was burnt alive while another girl was picked by goons in Lucknow. The whole state is reeling under lawlessness," he said. To a query of whether he would like to extend birthday wishes to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Akhilesh quipped: "I don`t generally wish people on their birthdays. I believe we should not feel happy on our birthdays as we grow one year older."

We are fighting by-elections on our own, will finalise the strategy for 2022: Akhilesh Yadav

Highlighting the airstrike carried by the Indian Air Force on JeM camp in Pakistan’s Balakot, BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/alliances-prove-our-strength-amit-shah-on-sp-bsp-coming-together-194602">BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav</a> and asked them whether they were related to terrorists.

While addressing a rally in Ghazipur, Shah said when the airstrike was carried out, the whole country was celebrating it, however, there was mourning in two places – one in Pakistan and the other in offices of Rahul, Mayawati and Akhilesh.

“Mujhe maloom nahi padta, aatankwadi Pakistan ke mare, inke chehre ka nor kyo chala gaya? Kyo bhai ye chachere-mamere bhai lagte hai kya apke? Apke chehre ka nor chala gaya (I don’t underway why they got sad when Pakistan’s terrorists were killed),” Shah said.

“We belong to the BJP and Narendra Modi is our Prime Minister, we can’t do ‘ILU-ILU’ with terrorists. Nobody can play with the security of this nation,” he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-scrap-a-370-once-bjp-gets-majority-in-parliament-amit-shah-211926">Amit Shah</a> also criticised Rahul Gandhi for staying mum on National Conference leader Omar Abdullah’s demand for having a separate Prime Minister for Jammu and Kashmir.

“Today is the 14th day of me asking Rahul Gandhi on what he has to say regarding Omar Adullah’s statement on two Prime Ministers for the country. He is quiet. He is thinking of vote bank. Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister again. If one day we won’t have the power, and BJP people will sit in Opposition, till there is even one BJP worker, nobody can separate Kashmir from India,” he said.

Later he added, “Till the time BJP is there, those who shout slogans for dividing India will find themselves behind the bars.”

Highlighting the airstrike carried by the Indian Air Force on JeM camp in Pakistan’s Balakot, BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav and asked them whether they were related to terrorists.

Highlighting the airstrike carried by the Indian Air Force on JeM camp in Pakistan’s Balakot, BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BSP supremo Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav and asked them whether they were related to terrorists. While addressing a rally in Ghazipur, Shah said when the airstrike was carried out, the whole country was celebrating it, however, there was mourning in two places – one in Pakistan and the other in offices of Rahul, Mayawati and Akhilesh. “Mujhe maloom nahi padta, aatankwadi Pakistan ke mare, inke chehre ka nor kyo chala gaya? Kyo bhai ye chachere-mamere bhai lagte hai kya apke? Apke chehre ka nor chala gaya (I don’t underway why they got sad when Pakistan’s terrorists were killed),” Shah said. “We belong to the BJP and Narendra Modi is our Prime Minister, we can’t do ‘ILU-ILU’ with terrorists. Nobody can play with the security of this nation,” he added. Amit Shah also criticised Rahul Gandhi for staying mum on National Conference leader Omar Abdullah’s demand for having a separate Prime Minister for Jammu and Kashmir. “Today is the 14th day of me asking Rahul Gandhi on what he has to say regarding Omar Adullah’s statement on two Prime Ministers for the country. He is quiet. He is thinking of vote bank. Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister again. If one day we won’t have the power, and BJP people will sit in Opposition, till there is even one BJP worker, nobody can separate Kashmir from India,” he said. Later he added, “Till the time BJP is there, those who shout slogans for dividing India will find themselves behind the bars.”

Are terrorists your relatives? Amit Shah asks Rahul, Mayawati and Akhilesh

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mayawati-hints-at-her-prime-ministerial-ambition-207845">arch-rival Mayawati</a>, who has allied with the SP&nbsp;as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections.&nbsp;

Once bitter enemies, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati shared the stage today after 24 years at the historic Mainpuri rally. Both leaders who were at loggerheads for decades, held a joint rally today in India's biggest state Uttar Pradesh which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

During the rally, Mulayam Singh announced his plan to retire saying he is contesting his last election. Mulayam Singh has been a leader who influenced millions in India's most populated state which has sent several top politicians to parliament including many prime ministers.

It took more than 25 years for both the SP and BSP to join hands once again to stop the BJP juggernaut. In 1995, the then party chiefs - Mulayam and Kanshi Ram - &nbsp;had contested the state assembly elections together and formed the government in the state.

However, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati were unable to see eye-to-eye ever since their alliance came to a sordid end. The SP-BSP alliance of 1993 broke up due to differences between the two leaders.

However, speaking at a historic rally with Mayawati at his side, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav said at Mainpuri that he is happy to share the stage with Mayawati. He said he is grateful for all the support offered by the BSP chief. He appealed to the people of Mainpuri to elect him with a historic mandate.

The bitterness between the two iconic leaders of Indian politics, however, was not so easy to set aside. Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting the parliamentary elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri, had stayed away due to health issues from three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra.

Mayawati bashed the BJP manifesto but also called Congress’s ‘Nyay’ scheme promised in their manifesto an illusion. Appealing to her backward caste voters, Mayawati said: “Mulayam Singh is the real backward leader, not a fake like Narendra Modi.”&nbsp;

Mulayam is known for his outreach among the backward voters of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;Even during the Modi wave in 2014, the BJP candidate had failed to have an impact in this parliamentary seat. For several elections, BJP didn’t even field their candidates from Mainpuri.&nbsp;

However, Mulayam Singh surprised everyone&nbsp;prior to the general elections this year when he controversially said in Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections. While his comments were greeted with loud cheers by members of the governing BJP, it left those in his own party scrambling for explanation.

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his arch-rival Mayawati, who has allied with the SP as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections.

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his arch-rival Mayawati, who has allied with the SP as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections. Once bitter enemies, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati shared the stage today after 24 years at the historic Mainpuri rally. Both leaders who were at loggerheads for decades, held a joint rally today in India's biggest state Uttar Pradesh which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha. During the rally, Mulayam Singh announced his plan to retire saying he is contesting his last election. Mulayam Singh has been a leader who influenced millions in India's most populated state which has sent several top politicians to parliament including many prime ministers. It took more than 25 years for both the SP and BSP to join hands once again to stop the BJP juggernaut. In 1995, the then party chiefs - Mulayam and Kanshi Ram - had contested the state assembly elections together and formed the government in the state. However, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati were unable to see eye-to-eye ever since their alliance came to a sordid end. The SP-BSP alliance of 1993 broke up due to differences between the two leaders. However, speaking at a historic rally with Mayawati at his side, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav said at Mainpuri that he is happy to share the stage with Mayawati. He said he is grateful for all the support offered by the BSP chief. He appealed to the people of Mainpuri to elect him with a historic mandate. The bitterness between the two iconic leaders of Indian politics, however, was not so easy to set aside. Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting the parliamentary elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri, had stayed away due to health issues from three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra. Mayawati bashed the BJP manifesto but also called Congress’s ‘Nyay’ scheme promised in their manifesto an illusion. Appealing to her backward caste voters, Mayawati said: “Mulayam Singh is the real backward leader, not a fake like Narendra Modi.” Mulayam is known for his outreach among the backward voters of Uttar Pradesh. Even during the Modi wave in 2014, the BJP candidate had failed to have an impact in this parliamentary seat. For several elections, BJP didn’t even field their candidates from Mainpuri. However, Mulayam Singh surprised everyone prior to the general elections this year when he controversially said in Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections. While his comments were greeted with loud cheers by members of the governing BJP, it left those in his own party scrambling for explanation.

India’s iconic leader Mulayam Singh to contest his last election at Mainpuri

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a swipe at Samajwadi Party patriarch <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-samajwadi-party-chief-akhilesh-yadav-to-contest-from-azamgarh-205208">Mulayam Singh Yadav and his sons</a> over an alleged disproportionate assets case, claiming the court will punish the "ancestral corrupt" for their deeds.

He shared a news report on Twitter which said the Supreme Court was going to hear on Monday a plea in connection an alleged disproportionate assets case against Mulayam Singh and his sons Akhilesh and Prateek.

"The evil deeds of the corrupt are coming to light and they have looted people. The honourable court will give due punishment to these 'khandani bhrashtachari' (ancestral corrupt) for their deeds," he claimed.

"Be cautious of them as in order to avoid going to jail they will divide you on basis of caste and religion. All thieves are united in fear of chowkidar (watchman) but how long will they be able to save themselves," he said.

The apex court Monday issued a notice to the CBI on a plea seeking direction to the probe agency that it places the investigation report in the disproportionate assets case.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a swipe at Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and his sons over an alleged disproportionate assets case, claiming the court will punish the "ancestral corrupt" for their deeds.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a swipe at Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and his sons over an alleged disproportionate assets case, claiming the court will punish the "ancestral corrupt" for their deeds. He shared a news report on Twitter which said the Supreme Court was going to hear on Monday a plea in connection an alleged disproportionate assets case against Mulayam Singh and his sons Akhilesh and Prateek. "The evil deeds of the corrupt are coming to light and they have looted people. The honourable court will give due punishment to these 'khandani bhrashtachari' (ancestral corrupt) for their deeds," he claimed. "Be cautious of them as in order to avoid going to jail they will divide you on basis of caste and religion. All thieves are united in fear of chowkidar (watchman) but how long will they be able to save themselves," he said. The apex court Monday issued a notice to the CBI on a plea seeking direction to the probe agency that it places the investigation report in the disproportionate assets case.

‘Ancestral corrupt’: Yogi Adityanath takes a dig at Akhilesh-Mulayam after SC seeks status report on 13-year-old DA case

Mayawati and Akhilesh have sealed the deal for the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) which sends the highest number of Members to Parliament. BJP swept the state in 2014 riding on Modi wave and its development agenda trumping caste politics. Opinion polls predict heavy losses for BJP in the state. In this article, we look at eleven key factors which will determine the results of UP in 2019.

Transfer of votes without leakages: The success of any alliance depends upon the ability of partners to transfer their votes to each other with limited leakages. While in Bihar in 2015, a similar Mahagathbandhan (MGB) of Lalu, Nitish and Congress succeeded in doing so, in UP, alliance of SP-Congress failed to shift votes to each other in 2017. An informal alliance of SP and BSP for three bypolls succeeded vote transfer in bypolls last year.&nbsp;

Management of rebels: SP and BSP contested separately in 2014 and on an aggregate fielded 158 candidates. Almost half of these candidates (82 out of 158) will be denied tickets this time due to an alliance. Both parties will have to put in a lot of efforts to quell rebellion and reduce the impact to minimum levels. Uncle Shivpal’s party and even Congress could accommodate such rebels.

Ram Mandir &amp; reverse polarisation: The Mandir issue is hot currently with RSS and other Hindu organisations. UP CM Yogi Adityanath has many times reiterated that bhavya Ram mandir will be built in Ayodhya. In such an environment, any attempts to consolidate the minority vote by MGB in their favour could be counter-productive and unify the Hindu votes towards BJP.

Voting preference of non-Jatavs: The prime reason for decline in BSP’s influence in UP has been that it is losing support of its core vote bank of Dalits. They account for 21 per cent of the population; Jatavs (Mayawati’s caste is 12-14 per cent) and non-Jatavs (7-9 per cent). The support of non-Jatavs which was 64 per cent for party in 2009 declined to 30 per cent in 2014. BJP emerged as the choice for 45 per cent of non-Jatavs in 2014 as they were unhappy with Jatavisation/ Brahmanisation of BSP.&nbsp;

Voting preference of non-Yadav OBCs: OBCs account for 40 per cent of the state’s population. Yadavs (10 per cent) have been backing the SP while non-Yadavs (29 per cent), including Kurmis, Lodhis, Patels mostly supported the BJP till the time Kalyan Singh was there in the party. After his exit in 1999, the party lost the NYOBC votes to SP-BSP. From 43 per cent in 2002, support of Kurmis/ Koeris for BJP declined to 20 per cent in 2009. The fact that Modi belongs to the OBC community, strategic alliance entered with Apna Dal and disenchantment of non-Yadavs with SP due to their neglect led to massive consolidation in favour of BJP (60 per cent) in 2014.

How many sitting MPs are denied tickets? Modi and Shah follow a unique model to curb anti-incumbency. Today there is BJP government at the Centre, in the state and in many local bodies. So, the party has to face what I call triple anti-incumbency. To negate the impact of this, the party usually denies tickets to 30-40 per cent of its existing MPs/ MLAs. In the three state elections held recently, the number was between 25-30 per cent. In MCD elections, all corporators of BJP were denied tickets.

How seriously Congress fights in UP &amp; Priyanka factor: After being snubbed, the Congress has declared it will contest all 80 seats and has made Priyanka in-charge of East UP. She is expected to contest from Rae Bareli. This has enthused the party cadre. The Congress bagged 7.5 per cent vote share in 2014 in peak Modi wave, winning two and finishing second in seats. It also has influence in urban areas and enjoys support from section of upper castes, Muslims and Dalits in the state. If SP, BSP, Congress and RLD had contested together they would have won 57 seats in 2014 instead of 41 if only SP and BSP contested together.&nbsp;

Impact of smaller parties: Smaller parties have traditionally recorded 10-15 per cent vote share in UP. They are community-specific parties like RLD (Jats), Apna Dal (Patel’s), SBSP (Rajbhar), Nishad Party (Mallah) etc. BJP entered into strategic alliances with Apna Dal and SBSP in central and state polls to get the community votes and make inroads. Both allies are unhappy with BJP and posturing for more tickets this time around. Nishad Party is likely to get two seats from MGB quota.&nbsp;

Voting pattern of first-time voters: First-time voters play a crucial role in every election. These young voters mostly do not carry any baggage of ideology and vote on issues/ development. A media survey in 2014 said that almost half of 15 crore first-time voters in the 2014 general election, wanted to see Modi as PM. BJP made good inroads into young Yadav and Dalit voters in UP. As per reports, there are 12.7 crore first-time voters in 2019 out of which 2.2 crores are in UP.

Ability of MGB to manage contradictions in its vote blocks: It will be difficult for a section of SP and BSP cadre to accept each other as allies forgetting their bitter past. Many Dalits have borne the brunt of violence/torture by powerful OBCs.

How does development vs caste politics pan out? In 2014, BJP was able to convert the caste-ridden politics of the state into a narrative of nation-building and got support from all caste/class groups. As AK Verma opines in NES 2014, “This victory signalled a paradigm shift in voter behaviour, with a preference for good governance and development pushing out the identity politics of caste and community.” Whether MGB takes it back to caste politics, remains to be seen!

To sum up, in 2019, voters of UP will evaluate the performance of the Modi government. MGB will try to convert this battle into an ‘agadey vs pichadey’ fight. An interesting battle on the cards with many layers.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-uttar-pradesh-a-cakewalk-for-none-2718126">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Mayawati and Akhilesh have sealed the deal for the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) which sends the highest number of Members to Parliament. BJP swept the state in 2014 riding on Modi wave and its development agenda trumping caste politics.

Mayawati and Akhilesh have sealed the deal for the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) which sends the highest number of Members to Parliament. BJP swept the state in 2014 riding on Modi wave and its development agenda trumping caste politics. Opinion polls predict heavy losses for BJP in the state. In this article, we look at eleven key factors which will determine the results of UP in 2019. Transfer of votes without leakages: The success of any alliance depends upon the ability of partners to transfer their votes to each other with limited leakages. While in Bihar in 2015, a similar Mahagathbandhan (MGB) of Lalu, Nitish and Congress succeeded in doing so, in UP, alliance of SP-Congress failed to shift votes to each other in 2017. An informal alliance of SP and BSP for three bypolls succeeded vote transfer in bypolls last year. Management of rebels: SP and BSP contested separately in 2014 and on an aggregate fielded 158 candidates. Almost half of these candidates (82 out of 158) will be denied tickets this time due to an alliance. Both parties will have to put in a lot of efforts to quell rebellion and reduce the impact to minimum levels. Uncle Shivpal’s party and even Congress could accommodate such rebels. Ram Mandir & reverse polarisation: The Mandir issue is hot currently with RSS and other Hindu organisations. UP CM Yogi Adityanath has many times reiterated that bhavya Ram mandir will be built in Ayodhya. In such an environment, any attempts to consolidate the minority vote by MGB in their favour could be counter-productive and unify the Hindu votes towards BJP. Voting preference of non-Jatavs: The prime reason for decline in BSP’s influence in UP has been that it is losing support of its core vote bank of Dalits. They account for 21 per cent of the population; Jatavs (Mayawati’s caste is 12-14 per cent) and non-Jatavs (7-9 per cent). The support of non-Jatavs which was 64 per cent for party in 2009 declined to 30 per cent in 2014. BJP emerged as the choice for 45 per cent of non-Jatavs in 2014 as they were unhappy with Jatavisation/ Brahmanisation of BSP. Voting preference of non-Yadav OBCs: OBCs account for 40 per cent of the state’s population. Yadavs (10 per cent) have been backing the SP while non-Yadavs (29 per cent), including Kurmis, Lodhis, Patels mostly supported the BJP till the time Kalyan Singh was there in the party. After his exit in 1999, the party lost the NYOBC votes to SP-BSP. From 43 per cent in 2002, support of Kurmis/ Koeris for BJP declined to 20 per cent in 2009. The fact that Modi belongs to the OBC community, strategic alliance entered with Apna Dal and disenchantment of non-Yadavs with SP due to their neglect led to massive consolidation in favour of BJP (60 per cent) in 2014. How many sitting MPs are denied tickets? Modi and Shah follow a unique model to curb anti-incumbency. Today there is BJP government at the Centre, in the state and in many local bodies. So, the party has to face what I call triple anti-incumbency. To negate the impact of this, the party usually denies tickets to 30-40 per cent of its existing MPs/ MLAs. In the three state elections held recently, the number was between 25-30 per cent. In MCD elections, all corporators of BJP were denied tickets. How seriously Congress fights in UP & Priyanka factor: After being snubbed, the Congress has declared it will contest all 80 seats and has made Priyanka in-charge of East UP. She is expected to contest from Rae Bareli. This has enthused the party cadre. The Congress bagged 7.5 per cent vote share in 2014 in peak Modi wave, winning two and finishing second in seats. It also has influence in urban areas and enjoys support from section of upper castes, Muslims and Dalits in the state. If SP, BSP, Congress and RLD had contested together they would have won 57 seats in 2014 instead of 41 if only SP and BSP contested together. Impact of smaller parties: Smaller parties have traditionally recorded 10-15 per cent vote share in UP. They are community-specific parties like RLD (Jats), Apna Dal (Patel’s), SBSP (Rajbhar), Nishad Party (Mallah) etc. BJP entered into strategic alliances with Apna Dal and SBSP in central and state polls to get the community votes and make inroads. Both allies are unhappy with BJP and posturing for more tickets this time around. Nishad Party is likely to get two seats from MGB quota. Voting pattern of first-time voters: First-time voters play a crucial role in every election. These young voters mostly do not carry any baggage of ideology and vote on issues/ development. A media survey in 2014 said that almost half of 15 crore first-time voters in the 2014 general election, wanted to see Modi as PM. BJP made good inroads into young Yadav and Dalit voters in UP. As per reports, there are 12.7 crore first-time voters in 2019 out of which 2.2 crores are in UP. Ability of MGB to manage contradictions in its vote blocks: It will be difficult for a section of SP and BSP cadre to accept each other as allies forgetting their bitter past. Many Dalits have borne the brunt of violence/torture by powerful OBCs. How does development vs caste politics pan out? In 2014, BJP was able to convert the caste-ridden politics of the state into a narrative of nation-building and got support from all caste/class groups. As AK Verma opines in NES 2014, “This victory signalled a paradigm shift in voter behaviour, with a preference for good governance and development pushing out the identity politics of caste and community.” Whether MGB takes it back to caste politics, remains to be seen! To sum up, in 2019, voters of UP will evaluate the performance of the Modi government. MGB will try to convert this battle into an ‘agadey vs pichadey’ fight. An interesting battle on the cards with many layers. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Uttar Pradesh: A cakewalk for none

DIG Gagandeep Gambhir, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer who was investigating former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav`s role in the illegal sand mining scam has been transferred, sources said on Tuesday.

CBI sources said that Gambhir, who was investigating the role of Akhilesh and other bureaucrats in the illegal sand mining scam, has been transferred to anti-corruption ACIII from special crime unit SCII.

Anish Prasad, who was deputy director of CBI, will now be investigating the sand mining scam, said sources.ACIII, where Gambhir has been transferred, is currently investigating Bihar`s Srijan scam and journalist Upendra Rai`s case.

On Saturday, CBI carried out searches at 12 places in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in an ongoing investigation of a case relating to alleged illegal mining of minerals in Hamirpur.

During the searches, incriminating material pertaining to illegal sand mining, including huge cash and gold were recovered.

CBI registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against the then District Magistrate of Hamirpur, then Geologist/Mining Officer, the then mining clerk and eight others including leaseholders, private persons and other unknown public servants and unknown persons.

Earlier, an inquiry into the alleged illegal mining of minor minerals in district Hamirpur was conducted on the orders the Allahabad High Court.

It was alleged that public servants in criminal conspiracy with other accused allowed illegal mining of minor minerals in the district during 2012-2016.

It was further alleged that they had illegally granted fresh leases for mining of sand, renewed existing leases and permitted obstructed period to the existing leaseholders and thereby caused wrongful loss to the government exchequer and undue gain to themselves.

It was also alleged that other persons were allowed to excavate minor minerals illegally, to commit theft of the minor minerals and to extort money from the leaseholders as well as from the drivers of the vehicles transporting minor minerals.

Government officials, along with private individuals, had allegedly allocated some illegal mining sites by flouting rules and regulations between the year 2012 and 2016.

Mining rights were also given in violation of NGT orders.

Yadav held the charge of Mining Ministry between 2012 to July 2013 and hence can come under scanner in the ongoing probe.

CBI sources also confirmed that all those who held portfolios at the time of the scam will be investigated.

DIG Gagandeep Gambhir, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer who was investigating former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav`s role in the illegal sand mining scam has been transferred, sources said on Tuesday.

DIG Gagandeep Gambhir, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer who was investigating former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav`s role in the illegal sand mining scam has been transferred, sources said on Tuesday. CBI sources said that Gambhir, who was investigating the role of Akhilesh and other bureaucrats in the illegal sand mining scam, has been transferred to anti-corruption ACIII from special crime unit SCII. Anish Prasad, who was deputy director of CBI, will now be investigating the sand mining scam, said sources.ACIII, where Gambhir has been transferred, is currently investigating Bihar`s Srijan scam and journalist Upendra Rai`s case. On Saturday, CBI carried out searches at 12 places in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in an ongoing investigation of a case relating to alleged illegal mining of minerals in Hamirpur. During the searches, incriminating material pertaining to illegal sand mining, including huge cash and gold were recovered. CBI registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against the then District Magistrate of Hamirpur, then Geologist/Mining Officer, the then mining clerk and eight others including leaseholders, private persons and other unknown public servants and unknown persons. Earlier, an inquiry into the alleged illegal mining of minor minerals in district Hamirpur was conducted on the orders the Allahabad High Court. It was alleged that public servants in criminal conspiracy with other accused allowed illegal mining of minor minerals in the district during 2012-2016. It was further alleged that they had illegally granted fresh leases for mining of sand, renewed existing leases and permitted obstructed period to the existing leaseholders and thereby caused wrongful loss to the government exchequer and undue gain to themselves. It was also alleged that other persons were allowed to excavate minor minerals illegally, to commit theft of the minor minerals and to extort money from the leaseholders as well as from the drivers of the vehicles transporting minor minerals. Government officials, along with private individuals, had allegedly allocated some illegal mining sites by flouting rules and regulations between the year 2012 and 2016. Mining rights were also given in violation of NGT orders. Yadav held the charge of Mining Ministry between 2012 to July 2013 and hence can come under scanner in the ongoing probe. CBI sources also confirmed that all those who held portfolios at the time of the scam will be investigated.

CBI officer probing Akhilesh's role in sand mining scam transferred

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Sunday rejected former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav's allegation that the Centre was misusing the CBI.

His reaction came as Yadav attacked the BJP a day after it emerged that the CBI may quiz him in a case of illegal mining.&nbsp;

"I am happy that at least the BJP has shown its colours. Earlier, the Congress gave us the chance to meet the CBI, and this time it is the BJP, which has given us this opportunity," Yadav said in Lucknow.

"There is lot of difference between the cultures of the BJP and the Congress," Maurya told reporters.

He said both state and the Union governments were working with full impartiality and transparency. "If any political party thinks that there should be no probe prior to elections, it is not possible," Maurya said.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Sunday rejected former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav's allegation that the Centre was misusing the CBI. His reaction came as Yadav attacked the BJP a day after it emerged that the CBI may quiz him in a case of illegal mining.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya Sunday rejected former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav's allegation that the Centre was misusing the CBI. His reaction came as Yadav attacked the BJP a day after it emerged that the CBI may quiz him in a case of illegal mining. "I am happy that at least the BJP has shown its colours. Earlier, the Congress gave us the chance to meet the CBI, and this time it is the BJP, which has given us this opportunity," Yadav said in Lucknow. "There is lot of difference between the cultures of the BJP and the Congress," Maurya told reporters. He said both state and the Union governments were working with full impartiality and transparency. "If any political party thinks that there should be no probe prior to elections, it is not possible," Maurya said.

Keshav Maurya rejects Akhilesh's charge on CBI

&nbsp;After a long gap, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and his father Mulayam Singh Yadav were seen together at a public event here today.

The occasion was an event observing the death anniversary of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia at the Lohia park here where they both had come to pay tribute to the socialist leader.

The father-son duo later posed before photographers.

Akhilesh Yadav (44) also publicly touched the feet of the 77-year-old Samajwadi Party patron and later said he had his blessings.

The senior Yadav had earlier this morning visited the Lohia Trust office here and paid tributes to the leader with his brother Shivpal Yadav.

Later, addressing media persons at the SP headquarters, Akhilesh Yadav said that the &quot;projects initiated by him are now being inaugurated by the BJP by removing his plaques&quot;.

On Mulayam, he said, &quot;If a father glosses over his son&#39;s mistakes, he becomes misguided. There is a fight of ideologies in every family...&quot;. The former chief minister, however, did not elaborate.

Asking party workers to gear up for 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the SP chief said, &quot;We have nothing to lose now. We will only gain. The people of the state are waiting for an opportunity to bring the SP back.&quot;

&quot;We have to prepare for 2022 Assembly elections too. This government is not doing any development and people have understood that&quot; he said.

The SP chief also attacked the Centre for implementing the GST &quot;without any preparations&quot;, causing hardship to the trader community.

The occasion was an event observing the death anniversary of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia at the Lohia park here where they both had come to pay tribute to the socialist leader

After a long gap, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and his father Mulayam Singh Yadav were seen together at a public event here today. The occasion was an event observing the death anniversary of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia at the Lohia park here where they both had come to pay tribute to the socialist leader. The father-son duo later posed before photographers. Akhilesh Yadav (44) also publicly touched the feet of the 77-year-old Samajwadi Party patron and later said he had his blessings. The senior Yadav had earlier this morning visited the Lohia Trust office here and paid tributes to the leader with his brother Shivpal Yadav. Later, addressing media persons at the SP headquarters, Akhilesh Yadav said that the "projects initiated by him are now being inaugurated by the BJP by removing his plaques". On Mulayam, he said, "If a father glosses over his son's mistakes, he becomes misguided. There is a fight of ideologies in every family...". The former chief minister, however, did not elaborate. Asking party workers to gear up for 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the SP chief said, "We have nothing to lose now. We will only gain. The people of the state are waiting for an opportunity to bring the SP back." "We have to prepare for 2022 Assembly elections too. This government is not doing any development and people have understood that" he said. The SP chief also attacked the Centre for implementing the GST "without any preparations", causing hardship to the trader community.

Akhilesh, Mulayam seen together in public after long gap

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav on Monday criticised his son Akhilesh Yadav, also taking took potshots at the ruling Uttar Pradesh and central government on issues such as petrol prices, BHU molestation case and farmer loan waivers.

He&nbsp;expressed disapproval of the decisions taken by his son and current Samajwadi Party chief, Akhilesh.

Asked about Akhilesh&rsquo;s comment that he has the blessings of his father, Mulayam said, &ldquo;Yes as my son he has my blessings, but I do not agree with the decisions taken by him. What are those decisions is something I will talk about in the coming days.&quot;

Mulayam Singh also urged the opposition to unite against the BJP.

He criticised the chief minister Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh saying, &ldquo;All the promises made by Yogi government on the power situation have failed.&quot;

Ahead of the conference, there were speculations that Mulayam will announce his own party. However, he clearly refused any such claims and declared that he will not be forming his own party anytime&nbsp;soon but will make other important announcements in the near future.

&quot;The situation of farmers has only gotten worse. Farmers have been sufferers under the Yogi government in the state as well as the Modi government at the Centre,&rdquo; Mulayam Singh said.

He also mentioned that crime rates have risen and girls are not safe in Banaras Hindu University.

He also appealed to the government to list petrol under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to reduce the fuel prices in the country.

 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Samajwadi Party patriarch also urged the opposition to unite against the BJP

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav on Monday criticised his son Akhilesh Yadav, also taking took potshots at the ruling Uttar Pradesh and central government on issues such as petrol prices, BHU molestation case and farmer loan waivers. He expressed disapproval of the decisions taken by his son and current Samajwadi Party chief, Akhilesh. Asked about Akhilesh’s comment that he has the blessings of his father, Mulayam said, “Yes as my son he has my blessings, but I do not agree with the decisions taken by him. What are those decisions is something I will talk about in the coming days." Mulayam Singh also urged the opposition to unite against the BJP. He criticised the chief minister Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh saying, “All the promises made by Yogi government on the power situation have failed." Ahead of the conference, there were speculations that Mulayam will announce his own party. However, he clearly refused any such claims and declared that he will not be forming his own party anytime soon but will make other important announcements in the near future. "The situation of farmers has only gotten worse. Farmers have been sufferers under the Yogi government in the state as well as the Modi government at the Centre,” Mulayam Singh said. He also mentioned that crime rates have risen and girls are not safe in Banaras Hindu University. He also appealed to the government to list petrol under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to reduce the fuel prices in the country.

SP leader Mulayam Singh denies plans of forming own party

A Times of India report said Sunday that the Uttar Pradesh government has downgraded the security cover of several opposition leaders including former chief ministers Mulayam Singh Yadav, his son Akhilesh Yadav, and Mayawati.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the security cover of senior BJP leader Vinay Katiyar has been upgraded. Katiyar, who is the founder president of the Bajrang Dal, he is currently a Rajya Sabha MP, will now get Z cover security.&nbsp;

The TOI report said the decision was taken late Saturday night, following a meeting of the state&#39;s security committee made up of the principal secretary (home), ADG Intelligence and ADG Security, along with the state&#39;s newly appointed DGP Sulkhan Singh.&nbsp;

(WION) 
&nbsp;

Former UP chief ministers Mulayam, Akhilesh, and Mayawati have all had their cover downgraded

A Times of India report said Sunday that the Uttar Pradesh government has downgraded the security cover of several opposition leaders including former chief ministers Mulayam Singh Yadav, his son Akhilesh Yadav, and Mayawati. On the other hand, the security cover of senior BJP leader Vinay Katiyar has been upgraded. Katiyar, who is the founder president of the Bajrang Dal, he is currently a Rajya Sabha MP, will now get Z cover security. The TOI report said the decision was taken late Saturday night, following a meeting of the state's security committee made up of the principal secretary (home), ADG Intelligence and ADG Security, along with the state's newly appointed DGP Sulkhan Singh. (WION)

Yogi downgrades security cover of opposition leaders, Bajrang Dal founder-prez gets upgrade

Samajwadi Party, the ruling party of India&#39;s most critical state Uttar Pradesh between 2012 and 2017, has plunged into another bout of family recrimination, just days after the political organisation suffered a debilitating loss in the recently-concluded elections.

Mulayam Singh Yadav, the party patriarch, agreed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s assessment of his son Akhilesh Yadav being disloyal.

Speaking at a function in their family bastion of Mainpuri -- about 350 kilometres from New Delhi -- Mulayam echoed one of Modi&#39;s speech about his son: &quot;Yeh sahi hai jo apne baap ka nahin woh kisi ka nahi ho sakta&nbsp;(It is true that a son who can&#39;t be loyal to his father can&#39;t be loyal to his people).&quot;

Modi, during the frenzied political campaign in Uttar Pradesh, had blamed Akhilesh -- the chief minister of India&#39;s northern state then -- for insulting his father by going against him.

Mulayam also accused his son of &quot;humiliating and betraying him&quot;.

&quot;While the people of UP voted for me in 2012, I chose Akhilesh to be the next chief minister, but he humiliated him thereafter,&quot; The Times of India quoted Mulayam as saying.

Mulayam&#39;s outburst comes after Samajwadi Party won a meagre 47 of the 403 Assembly seats in the 2017 elections.

The three-time chief minister of the state also lashed out at Akhilesh&#39;s decision to join hands with the Congress before the polls, especially because the party had launched &quot;murderous attacks&quot; against him in the past.

The father-son feud has been a protracted affair, stretching back to last year -- a bitter fight that clearly hampered the party&#39;s preparation for the elections.

(WION)

&nbsp;

The Samajwadi Party patriarch agreed with PM Narendra Modi that his son was not trustworthy

Samajwadi Party, the ruling party of India's most critical state Uttar Pradesh between 2012 and 2017, has plunged into another bout of family recrimination, just days after the political organisation suffered a debilitating loss in the recently-concluded elections. Mulayam Singh Yadav, the party patriarch, agreed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assessment of his son Akhilesh Yadav being disloyal. Speaking at a function in their family bastion of Mainpuri -- about 350 kilometres from New Delhi -- Mulayam echoed one of Modi's speech about his son: "Yeh sahi hai jo apne baap ka nahin woh kisi ka nahi ho sakta (It is true that a son who can't be loyal to his father can't be loyal to his people)." Modi, during the frenzied political campaign in Uttar Pradesh, had blamed Akhilesh -- the chief minister of India's northern state then -- for insulting his father by going against him. Mulayam also accused his son of "humiliating and betraying him". "While the people of UP voted for me in 2012, I chose Akhilesh to be the next chief minister, but he humiliated him thereafter," The Times of India quoted Mulayam as saying. Mulayam's outburst comes after Samajwadi Party won a meagre 47 of the 403 Assembly seats in the 2017 elections. The three-time chief minister of the state also lashed out at Akhilesh's decision to join hands with the Congress before the polls, especially because the party had launched "murderous attacks" against him in the past. The father-son feud has been a protracted affair, stretching back to last year -- a bitter fight that clearly hampered the party's preparation for the elections. (WION)

Mulayam lashes out at Akhilesh to deepen SP fissures

akhilesh

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