In Uttar Pradesh, the SP and BSP will hold joint election rallies during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said here on Thursday.&nbsp;

'We have planned joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh,'&nbsp;he told ANI in reply to a question about what transpired in his meeting with BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday.&nbsp;

'The meeting was to discuss the poll strategy for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. We have decided on meeting and rallies of SP and BSP. We have also planned joint rallies,'&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alliance-with-bsp-rld-final-seat-sharing-no-problem-akhilesh-yadav-191195">SP-BSP are fighting the ensuing Lok Sabha polls in UP as allies</a>. As per the seat-sharing agreement, SP is contesting 37 seats and BSP 38.&nbsp;

Three seats have been left for the RLD — Mathura, Muzaffarpur, and Bagpat. Two seats — Rae Bareli and Amethi — <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-kept-out-of-up-alliance-to-correct-poll-arithmetic-akhilesh-yadav-191942">have been left for the Congress</a>.&nbsp;

Exuding confidence, Yadav said that his party would now reach out to the people of the state, where Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases beginning April 11 to end on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Yadav said: “The Lok Sabha election dates have been declared. Every party is announcing its candidates. SP and BSP have also announced some candidates. It is the time to reach out to the people of the state.”&nbsp;

Attacking the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government, Akhilesh said: “The government has not achieved anything which was promised to the people to come to power. Where are laptops he was supposed to give? Where are jobs? And where is the share of farmers?” &nbsp;

Yadav, however, avoided questions on Congress general secretary and in-charge for the party`s east UP affairs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra meeting with Bhim army chief Chandrashekar Azad in a hospital in Meerut on Wednesday. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, NDA had won 73 seats from the state. SP had got just five seats, while BSP drew a blank.&nbsp;

In Uttar Pradesh, the SP and BSP will hold joint election rallies during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said here on Thursday.

In Uttar Pradesh, the SP and BSP will hold joint election rallies during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said here on Thursday. 'We have planned joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh,' he told ANI in reply to a question about what transpired in his meeting with BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday. 'The meeting was to discuss the poll strategy for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. We have decided on meeting and rallies of SP and BSP. We have also planned joint rallies,' he said. SP-BSP are fighting the ensuing Lok Sabha polls in UP as allies. As per the seat-sharing agreement, SP is contesting 37 seats and BSP 38. Three seats have been left for the RLD — Mathura, Muzaffarpur, and Bagpat. Two seats — Rae Bareli and Amethi — have been left for the Congress. Exuding confidence, Yadav said that his party would now reach out to the people of the state, where Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases beginning April 11 to end on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. Yadav said: “The Lok Sabha election dates have been declared. Every party is announcing its candidates. SP and BSP have also announced some candidates. It is the time to reach out to the people of the state.” Attacking the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government, Akhilesh said: “The government has not achieved anything which was promised to the people to come to power. Where are laptops he was supposed to give? Where are jobs? And where is the share of farmers?” Yadav, however, avoided questions on Congress general secretary and in-charge for the party`s east UP affairs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra meeting with Bhim army chief Chandrashekar Azad in a hospital in Meerut on Wednesday. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, NDA had won 73 seats from the state. SP had got just five seats, while BSP drew a blank.

Lok Sabha polls: SP & BSP will hold joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh, says Akhilesh

On the International Women’s Day, the Samajwadi Party on Friday announced the candidature of three women, including party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s wife Dimple Yadav, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh.

Dimple Yadav will contest from Kannauj constituency, from where the 41-year-old has already been elected twice -- in 2012 by-polls and 2014 general elections.

Purvi Verma has been fielded from Khiri constituency and Usha Verma from Hardoi, according a press statement issued by the party.

Earlier in the day, the party released <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-samajwadi-party-releases-list-of-6-candidates-mulayam-singh-yadav-to-fight-from-mainpuri-201964">its first list of six candidates</a> for the polls.

According to that list, party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav will contest from Mainpuri constituency, his nephew Dharmendra Yadav from Badaun and cousin Ram Gopal Yadav's son Akshay Yadav from Firozabad.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the party had won just 5 out of 80 seats at stake in the state.

Besides Dimple, Mulayam had won from Azamgarh, Dharmendra Yadav from Badaun, Akshay Yadav from Firozabad and Tej Pratap Yadav from Mainpuri.

The party also announced the candidates for three reserved constituencies- Itawa, Robertsganj and Bahraich.

According to the list, Kamlesh Katheria will contest the Etawah reserved seat, Bhailal Kol has been fielded on Robertsganj reserved seat, and Shabbir Balmiki from Bahraich.

The Samajwadi Party is contesting the polls in alliance with BSP. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will contest 38.

On the International Women’s Day, the Samajwadi Party on Friday announced the candidature of three women, including party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s wife Dimple Yadav, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh.

On the International Women’s Day, the Samajwadi Party on Friday announced the candidature of three women, including party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s wife Dimple Yadav, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh. Dimple Yadav will contest from Kannauj constituency, from where the 41-year-old has already been elected twice -- in 2012 by-polls and 2014 general elections. Purvi Verma has been fielded from Khiri constituency and Usha Verma from Hardoi, according a press statement issued by the party. Earlier in the day, the party released its first list of six candidates for the polls. According to that list, party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav will contest from Mainpuri constituency, his nephew Dharmendra Yadav from Badaun and cousin Ram Gopal Yadav's son Akshay Yadav from Firozabad. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the party had won just 5 out of 80 seats at stake in the state. Besides Dimple, Mulayam had won from Azamgarh, Dharmendra Yadav from Badaun, Akshay Yadav from Firozabad and Tej Pratap Yadav from Mainpuri. The party also announced the candidates for three reserved constituencies- Itawa, Robertsganj and Bahraich. According to the list, Kamlesh Katheria will contest the Etawah reserved seat, Bhailal Kol has been fielded on Robertsganj reserved seat, and Shabbir Balmiki from Bahraich. The Samajwadi Party is contesting the polls in alliance with BSP. According to the seat-sharing arrangement, Samajwadi Party will contest 37 seats while BSP will contest 38.

Lok Sabha: Samajwadi Party names 3 women candidates, Dimple Yadav to contest from Kannauj

The Samajwadi Party on Friday released a list of six candidates <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-first-list-of-congress-candidates-out-sonia-gandhi-to-contest-from-rae-bareli-rahul-from-amethi-201869">for the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh</a>, fielding party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav from its stronghold Mainpuri.

Dharmendra Yadav will contest from Badaun, Akshay Yadav from Firozabad, Kamlesh Katheria from Etawah, Bhailal Kol from Robertsganj and Shabbir Valmiki from Bahraich, the party announced.&nbsp;

The list was signed by SP national chief general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav.

The party left Mainpuri, described as its "safest" seat, for&nbsp;Mulayam Yadav, who is MP from Azamgarh right now.&nbsp;

He represented Mainpuri in the Lok Sabha in 1996, 2004 and 2009. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Mulayam Yadav had contested from Azamgarh and Mainpuri and had won both seats.

In Mainpuri, his victory margin was a massive 3.64 lakh votes.

The Samajwadi Party on Friday released a list of six candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, fielding party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav from its stronghold Mainpuri.

The Samajwadi Party on Friday released a list of six candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, fielding party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav from its stronghold Mainpuri. Dharmendra Yadav will contest from Badaun, Akshay Yadav from Firozabad, Kamlesh Katheria from Etawah, Bhailal Kol from Robertsganj and Shabbir Valmiki from Bahraich, the party announced. The list was signed by SP national chief general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav. The party left Mainpuri, described as its "safest" seat, for Mulayam Yadav, who is MP from Azamgarh right now. He represented Mainpuri in the Lok Sabha in 1996, 2004 and 2009. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Mulayam Yadav had contested from Azamgarh and Mainpuri and had won both seats. In Mainpuri, his victory margin was a massive 3.64 lakh votes.

Lok Sabha polls: Samajwadi Party releases list of 6 candidates; Mulayam Singh Yadav to fight from Mainpuri

The Rashtriya Lok Dal will contest three Lok Sabha seats as part of an alliance with the SP and the BSP, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Tuesday and also declared that the Congress was very much part of the "mahagatbandhan".

Addressing a press conference with RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary, the son of party founder Ajit Singh, Yadav said the party would contest the Mathura, Baghpat and Muzaffarnagar Lok Sabha seats in western Uttar Pradesh.

To repeated questions, the SP chief asserted that the Congress was "very much in the alliance".

"We have left two seats (Amethi and Rae Bareli) for the party," he said.

Yadav said the alliance partners will jointly take on the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 seats. 
&nbsp;

The Rashtriya Lok Dal will contest three Lok Sabha seats as part of an alliance with the SP and the BSP, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Tuesday and also declared that the Congress was very much part of the "mahagatbandhan".

The Rashtriya Lok Dal will contest three Lok Sabha seats as part of an alliance with the SP and the BSP, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Tuesday and also declared that the Congress was very much part of the "mahagatbandhan". Addressing a press conference with RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary, the son of party founder Ajit Singh, Yadav said the party would contest the Mathura, Baghpat and Muzaffarnagar Lok Sabha seats in western Uttar Pradesh. To repeated questions, the SP chief asserted that the Congress was "very much in the alliance". "We have left two seats (Amethi and Rae Bareli) for the party," he said. Yadav said the alliance partners will jointly take on the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 seats.

SP, BSP give RLD three Lok Sabha seats in UP, Akhilesh says Congress part of 'mahagatbandhan'

Samajwadi Party president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-kept-out-of-up-alliance-to-correct-poll-arithmetic-akhilesh-yadav-191942">Akhilesh Yadav</a> on Tuesday claimed he was stopped at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in a bid to prevent him from visiting Allahabad to attend an oath-taking ceremony at Allahabad University.

"The government is afraid of oath ceremony of a student leader and is stopping me at the airport to prevent me from visiting Allahabad," Yadav claimed.

He also posted photographs in his official Twitter handle in which he was seen talking to police officers inside the airport.

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I was prevented from boarding the airplane without any written orders. Currently detained at Lucknow airport. 
 
It is clear how frightened the govt is by the oath ceremony of a student leader. The BJP knows that youth of our great country will not tolerate this injustice anymore! <a href="https://t.co/xtnpNWtQRd">pic.twitter.com/xtnpNWtQRd</a>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1095205611380400128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He said he had to attend an oath-taking ceremony at Allahabad University.

When asked, Airport Director AK Sharma said, "I have no such information."

The matter rocked the Uttar Pradesh legislature.

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My statement on the negative and undemocratic politics behind my detention at Lucknow Airport. <a href="https://t.co/dP7MvdjOcT">pic.twitter.com/dP7MvdjOcT</a>
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1095235277533204480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As soon as Samajwadi Party members came to know about their national president being stopped at the airport, they tried to raise the matter during Question Hour in the assembly.

"The present regime is trying to kill democracy and stop our leader from visiting Allahabad," Samajwadi Party leader Narendra Verma said.

The members also trooped into the Well of the House due to which Speaker Hriday Narain Dixit adjourned the proceedings for 20 minutes during the Question Hour.

The matter was also raised in the Legislative Council, leading to the adjournment of the House for 25 minutes during the pre-lunch sitting.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday claimed he was stopped at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in a bid to prevent him from visiting Allahabad to attend an oath-taking ceremony at Allahabad University.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday claimed he was stopped at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in a bid to prevent him from visiting Allahabad to attend an oath-taking ceremony at Allahabad University. "The government is afraid of oath ceremony of a student leader and is stopping me at the airport to prevent me from visiting Allahabad," Yadav claimed. He also posted photographs in his official Twitter handle in which he was seen talking to police officers inside the airport. I was prevented from boarding the airplane without any written orders. Currently detained at Lucknow airport. It is clear how frightened the govt is by the oath ceremony of a student leader. The BJP knows that youth of our great country will not tolerate this injustice anymore! pic.twitter.com/xtnpNWtQRd — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 12, 2019 × He said he had to attend an oath-taking ceremony at Allahabad University. When asked, Airport Director AK Sharma said, "I have no such information." The matter rocked the Uttar Pradesh legislature. My statement on the negative and undemocratic politics behind my detention at Lucknow Airport. pic.twitter.com/dP7MvdjOcT — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 12, 2019 × As soon as Samajwadi Party members came to know about their national president being stopped at the airport, they tried to raise the matter during Question Hour in the assembly. "The present regime is trying to kill democracy and stop our leader from visiting Allahabad," Samajwadi Party leader Narendra Verma said. The members also trooped into the Well of the House due to which Speaker Hriday Narain Dixit adjourned the proceedings for 20 minutes during the Question Hour. The matter was also raised in the Legislative Council, leading to the adjournment of the House for 25 minutes during the pre-lunch sitting.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav stopped at Lucknow airport, alleges government preventing him from visiting Allahabad University

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

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-mla-sadhana-singh-says-mayawti-worse-than-eunuch-bsp-replies-mentally-ill-191536">BJP MLA Sadhna Singh</a> apologised for her derogatory comment on BSP chief Mayawati.

''I had no intentions of disrespecting anyone, I express regret if someone was hurt by my words,'' she said.

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BJP MLA Sadhna Singh on her statement on BSP chief Mayawati: I had no intentions of disrespecting anyone, I express regret if someone was hurt by my words. <a href="https://t.co/k4PRoaSpS4">pic.twitter.com/k4PRoaSpS4</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1086959529445580800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While addressing a public gathering, Singh without directly referring to the guest house incident, where Mayawati along with several other BSP leaders was attacked by Samajwadi Party workers, said that a woman who underwent a 'chirharan' (disrobe) is now compromising with the perpetrators, "she is worse than a eunuch."

Meanwhile, BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra called Singh "mentally ill" over her remarks on the BSP chief.&nbsp;

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken Suo Motu cognisance of the objectionable statement made by Sadhana Singh.

The Commission will be sending a notice to Sadhna Singh regarding the statement in question.

BJP MLA Sadhna Singh apologised for her derogatory comment on BSP chief Mayawati. ''I had no intentions of disrespecting anyone, I express regret if someone was hurt by my words,'' she said.

BJP MLA Sadhna Singh apologised for her derogatory comment on BSP chief Mayawati. ''I had no intentions of disrespecting anyone, I express regret if someone was hurt by my words,'' she said. BJP MLA Sadhna Singh on her statement on BSP chief Mayawati: I had no intentions of disrespecting anyone, I express regret if someone was hurt by my words. pic.twitter.com/k4PRoaSpS4 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 20, 2019 × While addressing a public gathering, Singh without directly referring to the guest house incident, where Mayawati along with several other BSP leaders was attacked by Samajwadi Party workers, said that a woman who underwent a 'chirharan' (disrobe) is now compromising with the perpetrators, "she is worse than a eunuch." Meanwhile, BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra called Singh "mentally ill" over her remarks on the BSP chief. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken Suo Motu cognisance of the objectionable statement made by Sadhana Singh. The Commission will be sending a notice to Sadhna Singh regarding the statement in question.

No intentions of disrespecting anyone: BJP MLA Sadhna Singh regrets her remarks on Mayawati

The Samajwadi Party's (SP) alliance with the BSP and the RLD was "final" and there would be no issues as regards seat-sharing in the coming Lok Sabha polls, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-alliance-will-get-its-math-right-in-lok-sabha-polls-akhilesh-yadav-189652&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi1rsP07fbfAhWGdH0KHZRHCAEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0UdWN6UZbG6_1ecZ1iQ225">party chief Akhilesh Yadav</a> said on Friday, while ruling out any understanding with the Congress.

"Our alliance with the BSP, the RLD and smaller parties like the Nishad Party is final and seat-sharing will not be a problem. It will be worked out soon. We have emerged as a strong force in the state, which has changed the tone and tenor of the BJP, whose leaders have started using foul language against us," the SP national president told PTI.

"Uttar Pradesh has always acted as a catalyst for change. This time, the people of the state will change the prime minister. Our fight is with the BJP and the people are supporting us," Yadav said in an interview at the SP headquarters here.

He, however, ducked the question as to who would be his choice as the next prime minister.

Maintaining that the SP will only "concentrate" in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav ruled out any understanding with the Congress in the state in the Lok Sabha polls.

"How can we have an understanding with it (Congress)? It is a national party. We have given them two seats (Amethi and Raebareli), which the SP had been leaving for them. Presently, my focus is on Uttar Pradesh. In Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand also, the SP will field one or two candidates who are strong and we will explore (the possibility of an) alliance with others," he said.

Reminded about his friendship with Congress president Rahul Gandhi (48), with whom he had given the "UP ke ladke" (boys from UP) slogan in the 2017 state Assembly polls, Yadav, who is three years younger to Gandhi, said, "I will not like to talk about the Congress as of now."

Asked about his recent meeting with Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chowdhury, he said, "Our alliance is final. In Kairana, we had fielded RLD leader Tabassum Hasan on an SP ticket. We will give Mathura and Baghpat to them, which they want. There is no problem in the alliance now."

Asked about Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati's charge that his uncle and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party chief Shivpal Yadav was being financed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Yadav preferred not to speak.

"I will not say anything on this," he said.

Announcing the SP-BSP tie-up at a press conference last week, Mayawati had claimed that the BJP had funded Shivpal's party and said the entire money would go down the drain as there would be no split in the SP-BSP votes.

On the BJP, Yadav said, "It had promised many things, but those were never met. The common people are fed up with it and are looking at an alternative. They have only hope, which is the SP-BSP alliance."

Attacking the saffron party, he said it had changed its Uttar Pradesh in-charge only to save one seat (of Prime Minister Narendra Modi).

"The BJP MPs did not work on the ground. They never visited their areas. Now it is being said that they are going to change 60 per cent of their candidates. But such tricks will not work now," Yadav said.

In a lighter vein, he added, "If only they can manage to control the stray cattle, they can get some votes of the farmers."

On the claim of JP Nadda, the BJP's poll in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, that the saffron party would win 74 Lok Sabha seats in the state, Yadav said, "They can claim of winning even 82 seats, despite the fact that Uttar Pradesh has only 80 seats."

Nadda, the Union health minister, during his visit here this week had asserted that the BJP and its allies would bag at least 74 Lok Sabha seats -- one more than the NDA tally in 2014 — in Uttar Pradesh.

On reports of a slew of poll sops the Centre was planning to announce in its Budget, Yadav said, "All the major steps of the Centre like demonetisation, GST and claims of good governance have failed. They cannot be trusted. I want to alert my party workers that the BJP cannot be trusted. They can resort to any conspiracy or gimmick for political gains."

On the ongoing Kumbh at Allahabad, the SP chief said, "They (BJP) have renamed the Ardh-Kumbh as Kumbh. At Kumbh, people are not invited. People themselves come to attend it to attain 'Moksha' (salvation). Are they calling people for Moksha?"

Asked about state Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh's claim that the crime rate was witnessing a downward trend in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav questioned the data.

"The Centre's data claims to have given jobs to the youth. Did they get those jobs? The law-and-order situation of the state is known to all. The lie will not work any longer," he said.

On reports that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) might quiz him in connection with a mining scam, Yadav said, "I will answer them. These are the BJP's tactics ahead of the polls."

On the possibility of his wife and Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav contesting the Lok Sabha polls, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "I do not want her to contest this time. However, the decision is hers. We have to bring up three children. The house is now far from the children's school. How to manage their tuitions etc. Needs to be seen."

"They (the BJP government) have not approved the map for our house construction. They do not understand the responsibilities of a family as they do not have one," Yadav said.

 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Samajwadi Party's (SP) alliance with the BSP and the RLD was "final" and there would be no issues as regards seat-sharing in the coming Lok Sabha polls, party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Friday, while ruling out any understanding with the Congress.

The Samajwadi Party's (SP) alliance with the BSP and the RLD was "final" and there would be no issues as regards seat-sharing in the coming Lok Sabha polls, party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Friday, while ruling out any understanding with the Congress. "Our alliance with the BSP, the RLD and smaller parties like the Nishad Party is final and seat-sharing will not be a problem. It will be worked out soon. We have emerged as a strong force in the state, which has changed the tone and tenor of the BJP, whose leaders have started using foul language against us," the SP national president told PTI. "Uttar Pradesh has always acted as a catalyst for change. This time, the people of the state will change the prime minister. Our fight is with the BJP and the people are supporting us," Yadav said in an interview at the SP headquarters here. He, however, ducked the question as to who would be his choice as the next prime minister. Maintaining that the SP will only "concentrate" in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav ruled out any understanding with the Congress in the state in the Lok Sabha polls. "How can we have an understanding with it (Congress)? It is a national party. We have given them two seats (Amethi and Raebareli), which the SP had been leaving for them. Presently, my focus is on Uttar Pradesh. In Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand also, the SP will field one or two candidates who are strong and we will explore (the possibility of an) alliance with others," he said. Reminded about his friendship with Congress president Rahul Gandhi (48), with whom he had given the "UP ke ladke" (boys from UP) slogan in the 2017 state Assembly polls, Yadav, who is three years younger to Gandhi, said, "I will not like to talk about the Congress as of now." Asked about his recent meeting with Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chowdhury, he said, "Our alliance is final. In Kairana, we had fielded RLD leader Tabassum Hasan on an SP ticket. We will give Mathura and Baghpat to them, which they want. There is no problem in the alliance now." Asked about Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati's charge that his uncle and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party chief Shivpal Yadav was being financed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Yadav preferred not to speak. "I will not say anything on this," he said. Announcing the SP-BSP tie-up at a press conference last week, Mayawati had claimed that the BJP had funded Shivpal's party and said the entire money would go down the drain as there would be no split in the SP-BSP votes. On the BJP, Yadav said, "It had promised many things, but those were never met. The common people are fed up with it and are looking at an alternative. They have only hope, which is the SP-BSP alliance." Attacking the saffron party, he said it had changed its Uttar Pradesh in-charge only to save one seat (of Prime Minister Narendra Modi). "The BJP MPs did not work on the ground. They never visited their areas. Now it is being said that they are going to change 60 per cent of their candidates. But such tricks will not work now," Yadav said. In a lighter vein, he added, "If only they can manage to control the stray cattle, they can get some votes of the farmers." On the claim of JP Nadda, the BJP's poll in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, that the saffron party would win 74 Lok Sabha seats in the state, Yadav said, "They can claim of winning even 82 seats, despite the fact that Uttar Pradesh has only 80 seats." Nadda, the Union health minister, during his visit here this week had asserted that the BJP and its allies would bag at least 74 Lok Sabha seats -- one more than the NDA tally in 2014 — in Uttar Pradesh. On reports of a slew of poll sops the Centre was planning to announce in its Budget, Yadav said, "All the major steps of the Centre like demonetisation, GST and claims of good governance have failed. They cannot be trusted. I want to alert my party workers that the BJP cannot be trusted. They can resort to any conspiracy or gimmick for political gains." On the ongoing Kumbh at Allahabad, the SP chief said, "They (BJP) have renamed the Ardh-Kumbh as Kumbh. At Kumbh, people are not invited. People themselves come to attend it to attain 'Moksha' (salvation). Are they calling people for Moksha?" Asked about state Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh's claim that the crime rate was witnessing a downward trend in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav questioned the data. "The Centre's data claims to have given jobs to the youth. Did they get those jobs? The law-and-order situation of the state is known to all. The lie will not work any longer," he said. On reports that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) might quiz him in connection with a mining scam, Yadav said, "I will answer them. These are the BJP's tactics ahead of the polls." On the possibility of his wife and Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav contesting the Lok Sabha polls, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "I do not want her to contest this time. However, the decision is hers. We have to bring up three children. The house is now far from the children's school. How to manage their tuitions etc. Needs to be seen." "They (the BJP government) have not approved the map for our house construction. They do not understand the responsibilities of a family as they do not have one," Yadav said.

Alliance with BSP, RLD final; seat-sharing no problem: Akhilesh Yadav

Speaking on her 63rd birthday in Lucknow on Tuesday, BSP supremo Mayawati said her "ideal birthday gift" would be a victory of all joint candidates of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/sp-and-bsp-announce-alliance-against-bjp-in-uttar-pradesh-189790">SP-BSP alliance</a>.

The former UP chief minister further said that SP-BSP need to forget past differences after the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/bsp-sp-alliance-returns-after-25-years-will-the-coalition-deliver-in-2019-190124"> tie-up</a>.

The BSP supremo and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had announced the alliance of their parties&nbsp;for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsp-sp-to-contest-38-seats-each-alliance-will-give-sleepless-nights-to-modi-shah-says-mayawati-189793">joint press conference </a>on Saturday.

The two leaders will contest 38 each of Uttar Pradesh's 80 seats leaving two seats for other parties.

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Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav greets Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati at her residence, on her birthday today. <a href="https://t.co/COWRKjHkYB">pic.twitter.com/COWRKjHkYB</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1085070570922930176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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SP-BSP alliance will not field any candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli and will leave both the seats for the Congress, Mayawati had stated.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Mayawati also stressed the need for a strong farm loan waiver policy.

"We have always worked for the poor and the downtrodden. The government should give 100% farm loan waiver else farmer suicides will continue. A strong farm loan waiver policy should be made, "she said.

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BSP Chief Mayawati in Lucknow: We have always worked for the poor and the down trodden. The government should give 100% farm loan waiver else farmer suicides will continue. A strong farm loan waiver policy should be made. <a href="https://t.co/nRvA8K81SD">pic.twitter.com/nRvA8K81SD</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1085051123327819777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Speaking on her 63rd birthday in Lucknow on Tuesday, BSP supremo Mayawati said her "ideal birthday gift" would be a victory of all joint candidates of SP-BSP alliance.

Speaking on her 63rd birthday in Lucknow on Tuesday, BSP supremo Mayawati said her "ideal birthday gift" would be a victory of all joint candidates of SP-BSP alliance. The former UP chief minister further said that SP-BSP need to forget past differences after the tie-up. The BSP supremo and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had announced the alliance of their parties for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in a joint press conference on Saturday. The two leaders will contest 38 each of Uttar Pradesh's 80 seats leaving two seats for other parties. Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav greets Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati at her residence, on her birthday today. pic.twitter.com/COWRKjHkYB — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 15, 2019 × SP-BSP alliance will not field any candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli and will leave both the seats for the Congress, Mayawati had stated. Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Mayawati also stressed the need for a strong farm loan waiver policy. "We have always worked for the poor and the downtrodden. The government should give 100% farm loan waiver else farmer suicides will continue. A strong farm loan waiver policy should be made, "she said. BSP Chief Mayawati in Lucknow: We have always worked for the poor and the down trodden. The government should give 100% farm loan waiver else farmer suicides will continue. A strong farm loan waiver policy should be made. pic.twitter.com/nRvA8K81SD — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 15, 2019 × (With inputs from agencies)

Ideal birthday gift would be victory for BSP-SP candidates: Mayawati

Call it political compulsion or an eye on the maximum number of seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the coming together of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party only proves the adage that in politics, there are no permanent friends or foes.&nbsp;

Once-arch rivals Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Saturday announced their tie-up in Uttar Pradesh for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsp-sp-to-contest-38-seats-each-alliance-will-give-sleepless-nights-to-modi-shah-says-mayawati-189793">sharing 38 seats each</a> and keeping the Congress out of the alliance.

The parties, however, said they would not field candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli, represented by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. They also left two seats, out of 80, for smaller allies.

The parties seem to have forgotten their two-decade-old antagonism for a "political revolution" which they hope would "last long".

"I am moving ahead of the 1995 guesthouse incident in the interest of the country and to serve the people, who are upset with the BJP's 'anti-people' policies," BSP supremo Mayawati said Saturday at a press conference here which was also attended by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.&nbsp;

"The SP-BSP tie-up is a natural alliance. Yeh lamba chaleyga, aagey bhi chaleyga, Lok Sabha chunav ke baad, UP Assembly mein bhi yeh sthayee chalega (This will last long, even beyond LS polls and in UP Assembly elections)," she said, adding it was a "political revolution".

In 1993, SP-BSP had formed an alliance to stop the BJP's winning spree after the Ram temple movement.

Then SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP founder Kanshi Ram had joined hands and succeeded in leaving a mark in the state politics by winning 167 Assembly seats. The BSP had got 67 seats and SP 109.&nbsp;

The alliance, however, did not last and ended in 1995 after the infamous Meera Bai Marg guest house incident wherein SP workers misbehaved with Mayawati.&nbsp;

An unruly mob of SP workers had stormed into the Meerabai Guest House here where Mayawati was huddled in a meeting with her MLAs.

Mayawati's room was vandalised, she was abused and allegedly beaten up. When the BSP MLAs failed to protect her, BJP MLA Brahm Dutt Dwivedi took her out of the guest house to safety. It was then that the BSP joined hands with the BJP to form the government in the state.

The incident had left an indelible mark in the relationship between the two parties. It was said Kanshi Ram made numerous efforts to revive the coalition, but Mayawati held the fort in her opposition to a possible tie-up.

However, 23 years later, it seems Mayawati has moved on.&nbsp;

The BSP-SP came close during the parliamentary by-polls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur recently wherein the BSP supported SP candidates who succeeded in winning both the seats - Gorakhpur vacated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Phulpur by his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the SP had won five seats, while the BSP failed to win any seat.&nbsp;

In the 2017 assembly polls, SP and BSP got 22 per cent votes each.

Come to 2019, if both the parties continue to have a say in their traditional vote bank, the combine can create hurdles for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In the politically-crucial Uttar Pradesh, there are about 22 per cent Dalits, 45 per cent OBCs and 19 per cent Muslims, whose vote share will be decisive in the general elections this year.&nbsp;

"The SP-BSP alliance will certainly clear the dilemma of Muslim voters who are anti-BJP and with no division of their votes between SP and BSP, our alliance will get their votes in the major chunk," a senior SP leader said.

Commenting on how the new alliance will be a show stealer, SP president Akhilesh Yadav said, "The path of Delhi's power traverses through Uttar Pradesh and our alliance will be able to stop the BJP for sure.&nbsp;

"The alliance with BSP was founded in my heart when the BJP conspired and got BSP candidate Bhim Rao Ambedkar defeated during the Rajya Sabha biennial polls. I had said that if I had to take two steps backwards for the alliance, I will do it," he said, thanking Mayawati.

Although Akhilesh Yadav's estranged uncle Shivpal Yadav, who recently floated the Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia), claimed that he would emerge as a "strong force" in the polls, Mayawati asked people "not to waste their vote on his (Shivpal's) party funded by the BJP".&nbsp;

"BJP's money will go down the drain as it is running Shivpal's party," she said.&nbsp;Akhilesh, however, did not comment on Shivpal's claim.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Call it political compulsion or an eye on the maximum number of seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the coming together of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party only proves the adage that in politics, there are no permanent friends or foes.

Call it political compulsion or an eye on the maximum number of seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the coming together of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party only proves the adage that in politics, there are no permanent friends or foes. Once-arch rivals Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Saturday announced their tie-up in Uttar Pradesh for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, sharing 38 seats each and keeping the Congress out of the alliance. The parties, however, said they would not field candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli, represented by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. They also left two seats, out of 80, for smaller allies. The parties seem to have forgotten their two-decade-old antagonism for a "political revolution" which they hope would "last long". "I am moving ahead of the 1995 guesthouse incident in the interest of the country and to serve the people, who are upset with the BJP's 'anti-people' policies," BSP supremo Mayawati said Saturday at a press conference here which was also attended by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. "The SP-BSP tie-up is a natural alliance. Yeh lamba chaleyga, aagey bhi chaleyga, Lok Sabha chunav ke baad, UP Assembly mein bhi yeh sthayee chalega (This will last long, even beyond LS polls and in UP Assembly elections)," she said, adding it was a "political revolution". In 1993, SP-BSP had formed an alliance to stop the BJP's winning spree after the Ram temple movement. Then SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP founder Kanshi Ram had joined hands and succeeded in leaving a mark in the state politics by winning 167 Assembly seats. The BSP had got 67 seats and SP 109. The alliance, however, did not last and ended in 1995 after the infamous Meera Bai Marg guest house incident wherein SP workers misbehaved with Mayawati. An unruly mob of SP workers had stormed into the Meerabai Guest House here where Mayawati was huddled in a meeting with her MLAs. Mayawati's room was vandalised, she was abused and allegedly beaten up. When the BSP MLAs failed to protect her, BJP MLA Brahm Dutt Dwivedi took her out of the guest house to safety. It was then that the BSP joined hands with the BJP to form the government in the state. The incident had left an indelible mark in the relationship between the two parties. It was said Kanshi Ram made numerous efforts to revive the coalition, but Mayawati held the fort in her opposition to a possible tie-up. However, 23 years later, it seems Mayawati has moved on. The BSP-SP came close during the parliamentary by-polls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur recently wherein the BSP supported SP candidates who succeeded in winning both the seats - Gorakhpur vacated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Phulpur by his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the SP had won five seats, while the BSP failed to win any seat. In the 2017 assembly polls, SP and BSP got 22 per cent votes each. Come to 2019, if both the parties continue to have a say in their traditional vote bank, the combine can create hurdles for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In the politically-crucial Uttar Pradesh, there are about 22 per cent Dalits, 45 per cent OBCs and 19 per cent Muslims, whose vote share will be decisive in the general elections this year. "The SP-BSP alliance will certainly clear the dilemma of Muslim voters who are anti-BJP and with no division of their votes between SP and BSP, our alliance will get their votes in the major chunk," a senior SP leader said. Commenting on how the new alliance will be a show stealer, SP president Akhilesh Yadav said, "The path of Delhi's power traverses through Uttar Pradesh and our alliance will be able to stop the BJP for sure. "The alliance with BSP was founded in my heart when the BJP conspired and got BSP candidate Bhim Rao Ambedkar defeated during the Rajya Sabha biennial polls. I had said that if I had to take two steps backwards for the alliance, I will do it," he said, thanking Mayawati. Although Akhilesh Yadav's estranged uncle Shivpal Yadav, who recently floated the Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia), claimed that he would emerge as a "strong force" in the polls, Mayawati asked people "not to waste their vote on his (Shivpal's) party funded by the BJP". "BJP's money will go down the drain as it is running Shivpal's party," she said. Akhilesh, however, did not comment on Shivpal's claim.

The SP-BSP alliance: How 2 sworn enemies became friends again

Opposition parties Sunday accused the BJP of using probe agencies for "executing its political strategy" after it emerged that the CBI may quiz SP president Akhilesh Yadav in a case of illegal mining, even as the ruling party asserted he must explain the "loot" during his tenure as Uttar Pradesh chief minister.

Yadav may face a CBI probe, according to the agency FIR made public Saturday, the day Samajwadi Party and Mayawati-led BSP indicated their intent to join hands in Uttar Pradesh to fight the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls. The agency had also carried out searches at 14 locations.

UP government minister and BJP leader Sidharth Nath Singh asserted that instead of questioning the timing of the raids, Yadav should answer why so much "loot" had happened under his government.

The BJP demands that the CBI investigate him and call him for probe, he told reporters at a press conference.

"If you loot public money, then law will take its own course," he said, adding that the CBI is reporting to the Allahabad high court, which had ordered a probe in 2016.

In Lucknow, Yadav put up a brave front, saying he is ready to face the CBI and attacked the BJP, claiming that people will answer it in the Lok Sabha polls.

Suggesting that the CBI action is linked to his talks with the BSP, he said he may have to tell the probe agency details of his alliance with Mayawati.

"Now, we have to tell the CBI how many seats we have distributed in the gathbandhan (alliance). 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," he said.

In the national capital, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari accused the BJP of practising a politics of "fear" against its rivals and said the country will rid itself of this in the polls.

"Those who are carrying out their political strategy through probe agencies do not last long," he said, adding that even a nursery child can comprehend the political motive behind the CBI's move.

The BJP said the Akhilesh Yadav government during its tenure between 2012-17 was "hand-in-glove" with the accused in the case of alleged mining scam.'

Rejecting the charge that the CBI's searches Saturday in connection with the alleged scam was politically motivated because of the alliance talks between the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, UP government minister Sidharth Nath Singh also told reporters that the BJP has no threat from them.

The two opposition parties are fighting for survival, he said, adding that those who are "langde-lulhe" (physically handicapped) need "baisakhi" (crutches).

The Samajwadi Party chief said the BJP is leaving a "culture", which may be used against it in the future.

"The Samajwadi Party is making efforts to win maximum Lok Sabha seats. Those who want to stop us, have the CBI with them. Once the Congress did the CBI probe, and I was questioned.

If the BJP is doing all this, the CBI will question me, I will answer (them). But, the people are ready to give an answer to the BJP," Yadav told reporters in Lucknow.

Opposition parties Sunday accused the BJP of using probe agencies for "executing its political strategy" after it emerged that the CBI may quiz SP president Akhilesh Yadav in a case of illegal mining, even as the ruling party asserted he must explain the "loot" during his tenure as Uttar Pradesh chief minister.

Opposition parties Sunday accused the BJP of using probe agencies for "executing its political strategy" after it emerged that the CBI may quiz SP president Akhilesh Yadav in a case of illegal mining, even as the ruling party asserted he must explain the "loot" during his tenure as Uttar Pradesh chief minister. Yadav may face a CBI probe, according to the agency FIR made public Saturday, the day Samajwadi Party and Mayawati-led BSP indicated their intent to join hands in Uttar Pradesh to fight the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls. The agency had also carried out searches at 14 locations. UP government minister and BJP leader Sidharth Nath Singh asserted that instead of questioning the timing of the raids, Yadav should answer why so much "loot" had happened under his government. The BJP demands that the CBI investigate him and call him for probe, he told reporters at a press conference. "If you loot public money, then law will take its own course," he said, adding that the CBI is reporting to the Allahabad high court, which had ordered a probe in 2016. In Lucknow, Yadav put up a brave front, saying he is ready to face the CBI and attacked the BJP, claiming that people will answer it in the Lok Sabha polls. Suggesting that the CBI action is linked to his talks with the BSP, he said he may have to tell the probe agency details of his alliance with Mayawati. "Now, we have to tell the CBI how many seats we have distributed in the gathbandhan (alliance). 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," he said. In the national capital, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari accused the BJP of practising a politics of "fear" against its rivals and said the country will rid itself of this in the polls. "Those who are carrying out their political strategy through probe agencies do not last long," he said, adding that even a nursery child can comprehend the political motive behind the CBI's move. The BJP said the Akhilesh Yadav government during its tenure between 2012-17 was "hand-in-glove" with the accused in the case of alleged mining scam.' Rejecting the charge that the CBI's searches Saturday in connection with the alleged scam was politically motivated because of the alliance talks between the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, UP government minister Sidharth Nath Singh also told reporters that the BJP has no threat from them. The two opposition parties are fighting for survival, he said, adding that those who are "langde-lulhe" (physically handicapped) need "baisakhi" (crutches). The Samajwadi Party chief said the BJP is leaving a "culture", which may be used against it in the future. "The Samajwadi Party is making efforts to win maximum Lok Sabha seats. Those who want to stop us, have the CBI with them. Once the Congress did the CBI probe, and I was questioned. If the BJP is doing all this, the CBI will question me, I will answer (them). But, the people are ready to give an answer to the BJP," Yadav told reporters in Lucknow.

After being attacked by opposition over mining case, BJP asks Akhilesh to explain 'loot'

The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party have agreed to an alliance ahead for the Lok Sabha elections, an SP leader said Saturday.

A formal announcement on the "gathbandhan" between the two key parties in Uttar Pradesh is likely later this month, SP's national spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary told PTI.

He said Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati had given their in-principle approval for an alliance after a series of meetings.

The two leaders also met on Friday, he said.

The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party have agreed to an alliance ahead for the Lok Sabha elections, an SP leader said Saturday. A formal announcement on the "gathbandhan" between the two key parties in Uttar Pradesh is likely later this month, SP's national spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary told PTI.

The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party have agreed to an alliance ahead for the Lok Sabha elections, an SP leader said Saturday. A formal announcement on the "gathbandhan" between the two key parties in Uttar Pradesh is likely later this month, SP's national spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary told PTI. He said Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati had given their in-principle approval for an alliance after a series of meetings. The two leaders also met on Friday, he said.

SP, BSP agree on alliance for Lok Sabha polls: SP leader

In a shot in the arm for the Congress, the Samajwadi Party Wednesday announced its support to Rahul Gandhi’s party to form the government in Madhya Pradesh. The announcement by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav came less than an hour after Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati made a similar offer to the Congress for government formation in the Hindi heartland state of Madhya Pradesh.

“The SP supports the Congress to form government in MP,” Yadav tweeted in Hindi.&nbsp;

The Congress, which was locked in a tantalising see-saw battle with the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, has emerged as the single-largest party with 114 seats after the vote count ended on Wednesday morning, according to the State Election Commission Office.&nbsp;

The party is, however, two short of the simple majority mark, 116 seats, in the 230-member Assembly. The BJP was close behind with 109 seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party won two seats and the Samajwadi Party one. Independents bagged four seats.

In a shot in the arm for the Congress, the Samajwadi Party Wednesday announced its support to Rahul Gandhi’s party to form the government in Madhya Pradesh. The announcement by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav came less than an hour after Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati made a similar offer to the Congress for government formation in the Hindi heartland state of Madhya Pradesh.

In a shot in the arm for the Congress, the Samajwadi Party Wednesday announced its support to Rahul Gandhi’s party to form the government in Madhya Pradesh. The announcement by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav came less than an hour after Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati made a similar offer to the Congress for government formation in the Hindi heartland state of Madhya Pradesh. “The SP supports the Congress to form government in MP,” Yadav tweeted in Hindi. The Congress, which was locked in a tantalising see-saw battle with the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, has emerged as the single-largest party with 114 seats after the vote count ended on Wednesday morning, according to the State Election Commission Office. The party is, however, two short of the simple majority mark, 116 seats, in the 230-member Assembly. The BJP was close behind with 109 seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party won two seats and the Samajwadi Party one. Independents bagged four seats.

After BSP, Samajwadi Party offers support to Congress in Madhya Pradesh

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said he has no prime ministerial ambitions and would rather work for upliftment of his state Uttar Pradesh.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was speaking at a panel discussion here, which included BJP leader Ram Madhav, National Conference's Omar Abdullah, Sachin Pilot of the Congress and Jayant Choudhary of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, at the release of a book by journalist-author Priya Sahgal, titled 'Contenders Who Will Lead India Tomorrow'.

As the discussion turned towards 'Mahagathbandhan' or the grand alliance that opposition parties are trying to forge to take on the ruling BJP at the Centre ahead of the Lok Sabha polls next year, moderator Vir Sanghvi asked how such an alliance will work when all opposition leaders have prime ministerial ambitions.

To this, Yadav replied he does not have any such aspirations.

Answering a pointed 'no' from Sanghvi, Yadav replied, "No". When the moderator asked ''never", the Samajwadi leader said, "Never".

Yadav said he would rather work to improve conditions of his state and cited examples of the development work done during his tenure as the Uttar Pradesh chief minister.&nbsp;

Yadav, who was UP's chief minister from 2012 to 2017, talked about the work done for the Gomti river as also on the Agra Expressway, saying aircraft like Sukhoi, Mirage and Hercules landed on that expressway, which was proof of the good work that was done there.

"Now, you can land your Rafale also," Yadav said tongue-in-cheek looking at the BJP's Madhav.

Yadav's statement that he had no prime ministerial ambitions was also seen as being directed towards Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, apparently as a bid to placate her ambition of the prime ministerial role.

Congress leader Pilot said one should not start his life with an ambition to become the prime minister as several events play a role in shaping a political career and nothing was any way permanent in politics.

While Yadav had talked about not being interested in prime ministerial role in February last year also, his statement now assumes significance in the wake of intensified efforts by various opposition parties to forge an anti-BJP alliance to give a strong fight to the ruling party.

However, there have already been some cracks visible in the opposition unity, even before a grand alliance gets formed, with BSP and some other parties going separate ways in some states such as Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, including due to their differences with the Congress, the main opposition party.

Trying to reach out to various non-BJP parties, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday met several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, even as he called his party's alliance with the Congress a "democratic compulsion" to protect the country.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said he has no prime ministerial ambitions and would rather work for upliftment of his state Uttar Pradesh. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was speaking at a panel discussion here, which included BJP leader Ram Madhav, National Conference's Omar Abdullah, Sachin Pilot of the Congress and Jayant Choudhary of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, at the release of a book by journalist-author Priya Sahgal, titled 'Contenders Who Will Lead India Tomorrow'.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said he has no prime ministerial ambitions and would rather work for upliftment of his state Uttar Pradesh. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister was speaking at a panel discussion here, which included BJP leader Ram Madhav, National Conference's Omar Abdullah, Sachin Pilot of the Congress and Jayant Choudhary of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, at the release of a book by journalist-author Priya Sahgal, titled 'Contenders Who Will Lead India Tomorrow'. As the discussion turned towards 'Mahagathbandhan' or the grand alliance that opposition parties are trying to forge to take on the ruling BJP at the Centre ahead of the Lok Sabha polls next year, moderator Vir Sanghvi asked how such an alliance will work when all opposition leaders have prime ministerial ambitions. To this, Yadav replied he does not have any such aspirations. Answering a pointed 'no' from Sanghvi, Yadav replied, "No". When the moderator asked ''never", the Samajwadi leader said, "Never". Yadav said he would rather work to improve conditions of his state and cited examples of the development work done during his tenure as the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. Yadav, who was UP's chief minister from 2012 to 2017, talked about the work done for the Gomti river as also on the Agra Expressway, saying aircraft like Sukhoi, Mirage and Hercules landed on that expressway, which was proof of the good work that was done there. "Now, you can land your Rafale also," Yadav said tongue-in-cheek looking at the BJP's Madhav. Yadav's statement that he had no prime ministerial ambitions was also seen as being directed towards Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, apparently as a bid to placate her ambition of the prime ministerial role. Congress leader Pilot said one should not start his life with an ambition to become the prime minister as several events play a role in shaping a political career and nothing was any way permanent in politics. While Yadav had talked about not being interested in prime ministerial role in February last year also, his statement now assumes significance in the wake of intensified efforts by various opposition parties to forge an anti-BJP alliance to give a strong fight to the ruling party. However, there have already been some cracks visible in the opposition unity, even before a grand alliance gets formed, with BSP and some other parties going separate ways in some states such as Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, including due to their differences with the Congress, the main opposition party. Trying to reach out to various non-BJP parties, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday met several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, even as he called his party's alliance with the Congress a "democratic compulsion" to protect the country.

Have no prime ministerial ambitions, would rather work for UP: Akhilesh Yadav

Before the 2015 Bihar state assembly elections, a new concept was introduced in India’s already crowded political lexicon, the ‘mahagathbandhan’. Loosely translated, it stood for a grand alliance of many parties who did not share too many commonalities except for one driving factor — the incessant desire to stop the then seemingly unstoppable Narendra Modi juggernaut in its tracks.

In trying to achieve what they wanted, the ‘mahagathbandhan’ had its way. Modi at the height of his popularity was bested in Bihar, the ascendant BJP coming up a cropper with 59 seats against the combined might of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Janata Dal (U) and the Congress, which bagged a formidable 180 assembly seats.

A great political idea had been sown, showing the way ahead to checkmate the BJP if it could. The logic was simple arithmetic. The BJP, which had garnered 31 per cent of the total vote share, had won 282 Lok Sabha seats. It was also the smallest ever vote share for the largest number of seats won. The previous lowest was the Congress that got a little over 40 per cent of the total vote share and 283 seats in 1967, in the days of the yore when the political canvas was a lot less crowded.

It proved just one thing: the BJP had gained heavily on account of the badly splintered vote and if closing the ranks would help, the tide could be turned against the saffron party. And that is what happened in Bihar.

Since then, it is increasingly becoming apparent that while ‘mahagathbandhan’ is a winning idea, implementing it on a national scale would be a tall order. As things stand now, the whole idea of a grand alliance against the BJP is largely restricted to UP. In Bihar, mahagathbandhan’ already stands dashed with one of the original authors of the idea, Nitish Kumar, on the side of the BJP.

It is only in a vast state like UP, which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha, that such a grand alliance plays out. Obviously, the idea of a such a coalition does not apply in, let’s say, Bengal, Odisha, the Northeast or the regional parties in the South other than Kerala.

Alliances in states like Maharashtra are between national and regional parties while in most parts of central India, the Hindi-speaking states, like Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat, it is going to be a fight mainly between the two national parties, the BJP and the Congress. The two national parties are also locked in a direct confrontation in states like Assam, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Goa, making it very difficult for a `mahagathbandhan’ to take shape in these states.

Sure, events in the last two weeks have demonstrated that BSP supremo Mayawati, the Samajwadi Party and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are looking to expand their base in MP and Chhattisgarh, hoping to cash in on a three-term anti-incumbency against the BJP and the disenchantment with the long decades of Congress rule.

But the difficulty in launching a ‘mahagathbandhan’ appears formidable. The Congress has ruled out giving more than 10 seats to the BSP in MP, which has some presence in districts like Jhansi that border UP and three seats to the SP in MP, which has had some areas of influence and lots of pretensions to power in that state.

All of this adds to complicating the situation as far as carving out a grand alliance in UP is concerned. The two regional outfits are already accusing the Congress of acting like the `big brother’in the forthcoming assembly elections in MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and promise to get back in kind in UP where the Congress is in a relatively weaker spot.

And it is here that the problem lies. In two critical Lok Sabha by-elections in Phulpur and Gorakhpur in UP March this year, the margin of losses are noteworthy. In UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s pocket borough Gorakhpur, the BJP lost by a little over 21,000 votes to the SP that was backed by BSP and the Congress while Phulpur was lost to another SP-led opposition ‘gathbandhan’ by a more respectable under-60,000 votes.

Then again in May, the Kairana Lok Sabha bye-elections in UP saw another battle royale with Ajit Singh’s Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD)-led combined opposition, including the SP, BSP and Congress, edging out the BJP comfortably by a 50,000 vote margin.

But it is instructive to remember that margins like 21,000 or even 50,000 in a Lok Sabha bye-poll in a vastly populated state like UP can be no indication of how things will shape up in the absence of a ‘mahagathbandhan’. And if BSP’s mercurial and unpredictable boss Mayawati’s statements against allying with other parties are any indication, a coalition in UP, at least at this stage, appears like a tall order. After all, if the united opposition polled 51.1 per cent of the total votes in the Kairana constituency, the BJP, which was the loser did not too badly with 46.5 per cent of votes. In the absence of a combined alliance, this verdict could well be reversed.

There is wisdom in the old adage that the reins of power in India go through UP. Modi knows that better than most and is hence running down any idea of a ‘mahagathbandhan’. A 40-50 seat loss, if such an alliance is in place in UP, will mean the difference between re-assuming office or sitting out in the opposition.

 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-grand-alliance-comes-to-haunt-2674384">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Before the 2015 Bihar state assembly elections, a new concept was introduced in India’s already crowded political lexicon, the ‘mahagathbandhan’. Loosely translated, it stood for a grand alliance of many parties who did not share too many commonalities except for one driving factor — the incessant desire to stop the then seemingly unstoppable Narendra Modi juggernaut in its tracks.

Before the 2015 Bihar state assembly elections, a new concept was introduced in India’s already crowded political lexicon, the ‘mahagathbandhan’. Loosely translated, it stood for a grand alliance of many parties who did not share too many commonalities except for one driving factor — the incessant desire to stop the then seemingly unstoppable Narendra Modi juggernaut in its tracks. In trying to achieve what they wanted, the ‘mahagathbandhan’ had its way. Modi at the height of his popularity was bested in Bihar, the ascendant BJP coming up a cropper with 59 seats against the combined might of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Janata Dal (U) and the Congress, which bagged a formidable 180 assembly seats. A great political idea had been sown, showing the way ahead to checkmate the BJP if it could. The logic was simple arithmetic. The BJP, which had garnered 31 per cent of the total vote share, had won 282 Lok Sabha seats. It was also the smallest ever vote share for the largest number of seats won. The previous lowest was the Congress that got a little over 40 per cent of the total vote share and 283 seats in 1967, in the days of the yore when the political canvas was a lot less crowded. It proved just one thing: the BJP had gained heavily on account of the badly splintered vote and if closing the ranks would help, the tide could be turned against the saffron party. And that is what happened in Bihar. Since then, it is increasingly becoming apparent that while ‘mahagathbandhan’ is a winning idea, implementing it on a national scale would be a tall order. As things stand now, the whole idea of a grand alliance against the BJP is largely restricted to UP. In Bihar, mahagathbandhan’ already stands dashed with one of the original authors of the idea, Nitish Kumar, on the side of the BJP. It is only in a vast state like UP, which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha, that such a grand alliance plays out. Obviously, the idea of a such a coalition does not apply in, let’s say, Bengal, Odisha, the Northeast or the regional parties in the South other than Kerala. Alliances in states like Maharashtra are between national and regional parties while in most parts of central India, the Hindi-speaking states, like Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat, it is going to be a fight mainly between the two national parties, the BJP and the Congress. The two national parties are also locked in a direct confrontation in states like Assam, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Goa, making it very difficult for a `mahagathbandhan’ to take shape in these states. Sure, events in the last two weeks have demonstrated that BSP supremo Mayawati, the Samajwadi Party and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are looking to expand their base in MP and Chhattisgarh, hoping to cash in on a three-term anti-incumbency against the BJP and the disenchantment with the long decades of Congress rule. But the difficulty in launching a ‘mahagathbandhan’ appears formidable. The Congress has ruled out giving more than 10 seats to the BSP in MP, which has some presence in districts like Jhansi that border UP and three seats to the SP in MP, which has had some areas of influence and lots of pretensions to power in that state. All of this adds to complicating the situation as far as carving out a grand alliance in UP is concerned. The two regional outfits are already accusing the Congress of acting like the `big brother’in the forthcoming assembly elections in MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and promise to get back in kind in UP where the Congress is in a relatively weaker spot. And it is here that the problem lies. In two critical Lok Sabha by-elections in Phulpur and Gorakhpur in UP March this year, the margin of losses are noteworthy. In UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s pocket borough Gorakhpur, the BJP lost by a little over 21,000 votes to the SP that was backed by BSP and the Congress while Phulpur was lost to another SP-led opposition ‘gathbandhan’ by a more respectable under-60,000 votes. Then again in May, the Kairana Lok Sabha bye-elections in UP saw another battle royale with Ajit Singh’s Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD)-led combined opposition, including the SP, BSP and Congress, edging out the BJP comfortably by a 50,000 vote margin. But it is instructive to remember that margins like 21,000 or even 50,000 in a Lok Sabha bye-poll in a vastly populated state like UP can be no indication of how things will shape up in the absence of a ‘mahagathbandhan’. And if BSP’s mercurial and unpredictable boss Mayawati’s statements against allying with other parties are any indication, a coalition in UP, at least at this stage, appears like a tall order. After all, if the united opposition polled 51.1 per cent of the total votes in the Kairana constituency, the BJP, which was the loser did not too badly with 46.5 per cent of votes. In the absence of a combined alliance, this verdict could well be reversed. There is wisdom in the old adage that the reins of power in India go through UP. Modi knows that better than most and is hence running down any idea of a ‘mahagathbandhan’. A 40-50 seat loss, if such an alliance is in place in UP, will mean the difference between re-assuming office or sitting out in the opposition. (This article was originally published on 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)

Grand alliance comes to haunt

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the key political parties of Uttar Pradesh seem to have chosen their favourite gods.

With the BJP apparently sticking to Lord Ram, the Samajwadi Party seems to have chosen Vishnu and the Congress Lord Shiva to spur their poll fortunes, if remarks by their leaders are any indication.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, fresh from his Mansarovar Yatra, was greeted in his Lok Sabha constituency Amethi this week by hundreds of 'bol bam'-chanting party activists, all dressed up as "Kanwariyas", the devotees of Lord Shiva.

The BJP's UP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey's reiterated the saffron party's backing for a Ram temple on the disputed site in Ayopdhya. He said the party is trying to ensure that the temple is built in Ayodhya through consensus.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, on the other hand, has pledged to develop a grand city named after Lord Vishnu, complete with a spectacular temple in it on lines of Cambodia's Angkor Wat, in the state, if voted to power.

Uttar Pradesh sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha. In the 2014 parliamentary elections, the BJP won 71 seats, its ally Apna Dal got two, while the SP bagged five and the Congress remaining two.

Fresh from his recent Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, the Congress chief Monday was presented a portrait of Lord Shiva by Shiva devotees at Fursatganj.

In a video footage that went viral on social media, Gandhi is seen with his forehead smeared with sandalwood paste with a prominent red 'tilak' in the centre. 
 
With a scarf around his neck, he is seen taking part in a 'puja'.

He was greeted with posters hailing 'Shiv bhakt Rahul Gandhi' on his first visit here after undertaking the arduous 12-day pilgrimage in August to Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.

The Congress chief had announced his intention to undertake the pilgrimage after a mid-air scare when his plane had plunged hundreds of feet down during one of his flights during the Karnataka poll campaign in April.

The pilgrimage was aimed at seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva for the country's prosperity, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said earlier.

In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the entire spectacle is being seen by some as the Congress bid to woo Hindu voters.

UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey, meanwhile, said Sunday, "Ram temple is the centre of faith and devotion for us. It should be built as per the law and we are committed to this."

The BJP is making efforts to build the Ram temple through consensus, he had said.

"The people know Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya and they want a Ram temple there. The feeling of every Indian is the feeling of the BJP," Pandey had said.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has declared his intent to "develop a city in the name of Lord Vishnu over 2,000 acres of land near Lion Safari (Etawah)."

"We have a lot of land in Chambal ravines and the city will have a grand Vishnu temple akin to the famous Angkor Wat temple."

Yadav's comments had come in the wake of BJP leader and UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya raking up the Ram temple issue and suggesting a legislative route for it.

Yadav, however, has promised that, if voted to power, he would develop a city after the name of Lord Vishnu, with both Lord Ram and Lord Krishna being his incarnations.

A team of experts will be sent to Cambodia to plan the city, which will be a centre for culture and knowledge of our ancient times, the SP chief said.

Angkor Wat in Cambodia is one of the largest religious monuments in the world which was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu but gradually transformed into a Buddhist shrine.&nbsp;

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the key political parties of Uttar Pradesh seem to have chosen their favourite gods. With the BJP apparently sticking to Lord Ram, the Samajwadi Party seems to have chosen Vishnu and the Congress Lord Shiva to spur their poll fortunes, if remarks by their leaders are any indication.

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the key political parties of Uttar Pradesh seem to have chosen their favourite gods. With the BJP apparently sticking to Lord Ram, the Samajwadi Party seems to have chosen Vishnu and the Congress Lord Shiva to spur their poll fortunes, if remarks by their leaders are any indication. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, fresh from his Mansarovar Yatra, was greeted in his Lok Sabha constituency Amethi this week by hundreds of 'bol bam'-chanting party activists, all dressed up as "Kanwariyas", the devotees of Lord Shiva. The BJP's UP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey's reiterated the saffron party's backing for a Ram temple on the disputed site in Ayopdhya. He said the party is trying to ensure that the temple is built in Ayodhya through consensus. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, on the other hand, has pledged to develop a grand city named after Lord Vishnu, complete with a spectacular temple in it on lines of Cambodia's Angkor Wat, in the state, if voted to power. Uttar Pradesh sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha. In the 2014 parliamentary elections, the BJP won 71 seats, its ally Apna Dal got two, while the SP bagged five and the Congress remaining two. Fresh from his recent Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, the Congress chief Monday was presented a portrait of Lord Shiva by Shiva devotees at Fursatganj. In a video footage that went viral on social media, Gandhi is seen with his forehead smeared with sandalwood paste with a prominent red 'tilak' in the centre. With a scarf around his neck, he is seen taking part in a 'puja'. He was greeted with posters hailing 'Shiv bhakt Rahul Gandhi' on his first visit here after undertaking the arduous 12-day pilgrimage in August to Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. The Congress chief had announced his intention to undertake the pilgrimage after a mid-air scare when his plane had plunged hundreds of feet down during one of his flights during the Karnataka poll campaign in April. The pilgrimage was aimed at seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva for the country's prosperity, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said earlier. In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the entire spectacle is being seen by some as the Congress bid to woo Hindu voters. UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey, meanwhile, said Sunday, "Ram temple is the centre of faith and devotion for us. It should be built as per the law and we are committed to this." The BJP is making efforts to build the Ram temple through consensus, he had said. "The people know Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya and they want a Ram temple there. The feeling of every Indian is the feeling of the BJP," Pandey had said. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has declared his intent to "develop a city in the name of Lord Vishnu over 2,000 acres of land near Lion Safari (Etawah)." "We have a lot of land in Chambal ravines and the city will have a grand Vishnu temple akin to the famous Angkor Wat temple." Yadav's comments had come in the wake of BJP leader and UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya raking up the Ram temple issue and suggesting a legislative route for it. Yadav, however, has promised that, if voted to power, he would develop a city after the name of Lord Vishnu, with both Lord Ram and Lord Krishna being his incarnations. A team of experts will be sent to Cambodia to plan the city, which will be a centre for culture and knowledge of our ancient times, the SP chief said. Angkor Wat in Cambodia is one of the largest religious monuments in the world which was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu but gradually transformed into a Buddhist shrine.

As BJP sticks to Ram, SP picks Vishnu, Congress Shiva for luck in 2019 polls

Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi hosted an Iftar party on Wednesday night for a number of diplomats and political dignitaries. Former president Pranab Mukherjee was among prominent political figures who attended an event.

According to reports, the Samajwadi Party was not represented at the event with no one from the party attending the function.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Congress President Rahul Gandhi hosts an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iftar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iftar</a> party in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>. Former Presidents Pranab Mukherjee & Pratibha Patil & former Vice-President Hamid Ansari also present. <a href="https://t.co/IjvOi6JhlJ">pic.twitter.com/IjvOi6JhlJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006901833455943681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to sources, Rahul Gandhi called PM Modi's fitness video bizarre while ex-President Pranab Mukherjee did not respond to the query. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury did not want to comment on the same and asked to be excused, "hume to chor do," he demanded.&nbsp;<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sCiOC2V6vX8" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, ex-Presidents, Smt Pratibha Patil, Hamid Ansari were also spotted at the event along with Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, former Member of Parliament Sharad Yadav among other eminent political personalities and foreign dignitaries.&nbsp;

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi with foreign delegates, including Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay R Kudashev, at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iftar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iftar</a> party hosted by him in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/xN2SEuNqKu">pic.twitter.com/xN2SEuNqKu</a>
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&nbsp;

According to reports, the Samajwadi Party was not represented at the event with no one from the party attending the function

Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi hosted an Iftar party on Wednesday night for a number of diplomats and political dignitaries. Former president Pranab Mukherjee was among prominent political figures who attended an event. According to reports, the Samajwadi Party was not represented at the event with no one from the party attending the function. Congress President Rahul Gandhi hosts an #Iftar party in #Delhi. Former Presidents Pranab Mukherjee & Pratibha Patil & former Vice-President Hamid Ansari also present. pic.twitter.com/IjvOi6JhlJ — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2018 × According to sources, Rahul Gandhi called PM Modi's fitness video bizarre while ex-President Pranab Mukherjee did not respond to the query. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury did not want to comment on the same and asked to be excused, "hume to chor do," he demanded. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, ex-Presidents, Smt Pratibha Patil, Hamid Ansari were also spotted at the event along with Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, former Member of Parliament Sharad Yadav among other eminent political personalities and foreign dignitaries. Congress President Rahul Gandhi with foreign delegates, including Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay R Kudashev, at #iftar party hosted by him in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/xN2SEuNqKu — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2018 ×

SP skips Rahul Gandhi's Iftar event, PM Modi's fitness challenge gets discussed

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday questioned former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, why he damaged the walls of the official bungalow allotted to him when he was in power.

Briefing media here, state health minister Siddharth Nath Singh said, "I would like to tell Akhilesh that you're a respected leader and former chief minister, but besides that, you're also well-educated. When you demolish the walls of the house where you yourself lived, what was hidden behind the wall that you had to break it down?"

He added that the Income Tax Department could ask Akhilesh to furnish proof of his income, even though the SP chief said that he did renovate the government bungalow under his own expenses.

Calling Akhilesh as "the guilty chief scolding the police officer", Singh further said, "He said he renovated bungalow with his own money. Income Tax Department should see if the calculations are fine, even better if he himself submits how did he use money and where did he get money from."

Further, he lambasted Akhilesh's repeated claims that the BJP was taking credit for the development projects initiated by the previous SP government in the state, saying they "only cut ribbons" and did not spend "single money".

Earlier in the day, Akhilesh denied charges of damaging the government bungalow he was staying in and accused the BJP-led state government of putting "false allegations" on him.

While addressing the media here, Akhilesh said the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government is unable to digest the Gorakhpur and Phulpur bypoll defeat and thus is getting antsy out of "frustration".

Yadav claimed he removed no furnishings from the government bungalow, where he was staying since demitting the CM's office last year.

"Wooden flooring along with many things in the bungalow are intact. One damaged corner of the house was photographed in a way to make it look like the house was left in a bad state. I gave laptops to children, but Yogi Adityanath government is insulting me over taps," he clarified.

Further slamming the BJP, Akhilesh said the government "didn't acknowledge the Metro work done by my government".

"My government built world-class infrastructure in the state," he added.

On June 2, Akhilesh vacated his official residence and shifted at the Ansal API Township on Sultanpur road in Lucknow.

According to reports, he has allegedly taken away imported tiles, ceiling, AC, garden lights and bathroom fittings among others from the bungalow.

However, SP leader Sunil Yadav refuted the allegation and said Adityanath was the one who had ordered the removal of various things from the property after Akhilesh vacated the property. 
Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik on Tuesday wrote to Adityanath over the issue of damages found at the government bungalow.

Terming it a serious matter, Naik noted that such buildings are maintained using taxpayers' money and hence appropriate action must be taken against those at fault.

Earlier this week, the state government ordered a probe into the damages done after the bungalow was vacated.

The apex court on May 7 passed an order to abolish a law that allowed former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh to stay in government bungalows throughout their lives

Earlier in the day, Akhilesh denied charges of damaging the government bungalow he was staying in and accused the BJP-led state government of putting 'false allegations' on him

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday questioned former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, why he damaged the walls of the official bungalow allotted to him when he was in power. Briefing media here, state health minister Siddharth Nath Singh said, "I would like to tell Akhilesh that you're a respected leader and former chief minister, but besides that, you're also well-educated. When you demolish the walls of the house where you yourself lived, what was hidden behind the wall that you had to break it down?" He added that the Income Tax Department could ask Akhilesh to furnish proof of his income, even though the SP chief said that he did renovate the government bungalow under his own expenses. Calling Akhilesh as "the guilty chief scolding the police officer", Singh further said, "He said he renovated bungalow with his own money. Income Tax Department should see if the calculations are fine, even better if he himself submits how did he use money and where did he get money from." Further, he lambasted Akhilesh's repeated claims that the BJP was taking credit for the development projects initiated by the previous SP government in the state, saying they "only cut ribbons" and did not spend "single money". Earlier in the day, Akhilesh denied charges of damaging the government bungalow he was staying in and accused the BJP-led state government of putting "false allegations" on him. While addressing the media here, Akhilesh said the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government is unable to digest the Gorakhpur and Phulpur bypoll defeat and thus is getting antsy out of "frustration". Yadav claimed he removed no furnishings from the government bungalow, where he was staying since demitting the CM's office last year. "Wooden flooring along with many things in the bungalow are intact. One damaged corner of the house was photographed in a way to make it look like the house was left in a bad state. I gave laptops to children, but Yogi Adityanath government is insulting me over taps," he clarified. Further slamming the BJP, Akhilesh said the government "didn't acknowledge the Metro work done by my government". "My government built world-class infrastructure in the state," he added. On June 2, Akhilesh vacated his official residence and shifted at the Ansal API Township on Sultanpur road in Lucknow. According to reports, he has allegedly taken away imported tiles, ceiling, AC, garden lights and bathroom fittings among others from the bungalow. However, SP leader Sunil Yadav refuted the allegation and said Adityanath was the one who had ordered the removal of various things from the property after Akhilesh vacated the property. Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik on Tuesday wrote to Adityanath over the issue of damages found at the government bungalow. Terming it a serious matter, Naik noted that such buildings are maintained using taxpayers' money and hence appropriate action must be taken against those at fault. Earlier this week, the state government ordered a probe into the damages done after the bungalow was vacated. The apex court on May 7 passed an order to abolish a law that allowed former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh to stay in government bungalows throughout their lives

Akhilesh-bungalow row: What was hidden behind the walls you broke, asks BJP

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav today said there was no decision on seat sharing between his party and the BSP for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and that it would be discussed at an "appropriate time".

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister's remark come amid reports that the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is demanding 40 out of the total 80 seats in the state for the next year general elections.

"Whatever seats are to be given will be decided once talks proceed. We will discuss at the appropriate time. Whatever is being reported regarding seats is only in newspapers," the SP chief said.&nbsp

"We have not discussed anything. We 'samajwadis' (socialists) have a big heart," he told PTI in an interview, his first after the Kairana bypolls in which the joint opposition candidate trounced the BJP's nominee, snatching the seat from the ruling party in the state.

RLD's Tabassum Hasan polled 4,81,182 votes in the bypoll, while BJP's Mriganka Singh got 4,36,564 votes, a difference of 44,618 votes.

The SP chief also alleged that "the (communal) fire in which Kairana burnt was doused by the people there by voting against the BJP".

On assembly polls in other states, Yadav said, "The SP will contest all the seats in Madhya Pradesh and is also preparing for polls in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand."

Regarding possibilities of a BSP-Congress tie-up for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, he said, "I have no information about this."

"If they are talking (for an alliance in MP) it's good. We hope for the best and prepare for the worst in politics," Yadav said.

He said as far as the SP is concerned, the party has decided to contest all the 230 assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh and preparations are underway.

The SP chief also said that the party&nbspwas prepared for the 2019 polls and the process was on for selecting prospective candidates.

Attacking the BJP, he alleged that the party distracted people from "core issues" before an election.

Discussing the success of alliance in the Gorakhpur, Phulpur, Kairana and Noorpur Lok Sabha bypolls, Yadav said, "The anger of people is visible from these results."

"The results also show that people are looking at an alternative against the BJP, which believes more in talking and less in working," he said.

He termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway on May 27 near Kairana an attempt to influence the by-election.

"Despite all out attempts, the BJP failed to succeed in Kairana and Noorpur. It's defeat of the divisive politics played by them. People have given a befitting reply to the BJP in the bypolls," he said.

Terming the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as "crucial", he said he expects that the general elections will be held early and simultaneously with assembly polls of some states.

He said as far as the SP is concerned, the party has decided to contest all the 230 assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav today said there was no decision on seat sharing between his party and the BSP for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and that it would be discussed at an "appropriate time". The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister's remark come amid reports that the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is demanding 40 out of the total 80 seats in the state for the next year general elections. "Whatever seats are to be given will be decided once talks proceed. We will discuss at the appropriate time. Whatever is being reported regarding seats is only in newspapers," the SP chief said. "We have not discussed anything. We 'samajwadis' (socialists) have a big heart," he told PTI in an interview, his first after the Kairana bypolls in which the joint opposition candidate trounced the BJP's nominee, snatching the seat from the ruling party in the state. RLD's Tabassum Hasan polled 4,81,182 votes in the bypoll, while BJP's Mriganka Singh got 4,36,564 votes, a difference of 44,618 votes. The SP chief also alleged that "the (communal) fire in which Kairana burnt was doused by the people there by voting against the BJP". On assembly polls in other states, Yadav said, "The SP will contest all the seats in Madhya Pradesh and is also preparing for polls in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand." Regarding possibilities of a BSP-Congress tie-up for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, he said, "I have no information about this." "If they are talking (for an alliance in MP) it's good. We hope for the best and prepare for the worst in politics," Yadav said. He said as far as the SP is concerned, the party has decided to contest all the 230 assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh and preparations are underway. The SP chief also said that the party&nbspwas prepared for the 2019 polls and the process was on for selecting prospective candidates. Attacking the BJP, he alleged that the party distracted people from "core issues" before an election. Discussing the success of alliance in the Gorakhpur, Phulpur, Kairana and Noorpur Lok Sabha bypolls, Yadav said, "The anger of people is visible from these results." "The results also show that people are looking at an alternative against the BJP, which believes more in talking and less in working," he said. He termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway on May 27 near Kairana an attempt to influence the by-election. "Despite all out attempts, the BJP failed to succeed in Kairana and Noorpur. It's defeat of the divisive politics played by them. People have given a befitting reply to the BJP in the bypolls," he said. Terming the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as "crucial", he said he expects that the general elections will be held early and simultaneously with assembly polls of some states.

Seat sharing talks at right time, we have a big heart: Akhilesh Yadav

Hours after bypolls results were declared, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on BJP saying people have given a befitting reply to the saffron party.&nbsp;

The SP president congratulated all the people who voted for his party and said&nbsp;victory of the combined opposition candidates in the Kairana Lok Sabha and Noorpur Assembly bypolls&nbsp;is a "befitting" reply to the BJP and those who sought to divide the country.

''This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy,'' he added.

''I want to congratulate all the people who voted for us. This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy. People have given a befitting reply to the BJP,'' the SP leader further said.&nbsp;

He said that people of the state have taught the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a lesson for "betraying" on all the poll promises.&nbsp; 
 
"People of the state have taught them a lesson for betraying them," Yadav said, adding, "UP government has repeatedly fooled the people. Farmers were told that their loans were waived but instead they lost their lives."&nbsp; 
 
The SP leader congratulated the voters in Noorpur and Kairana. "This is a victory for the farmers, the neglected, the poor and the Dalits." 
 
He thanked the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) Chief Ajit Singh, RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary for holding the fort against the BJP in Kairana and recalled the legacy of former Prime Minister Charan Singh. 
 
The SP leader also thanked the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Mahan Party, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Nishad Party, Peace Party, Left parties and the COngress for supporting the opposition candidates in the by-polls.

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कैराना और नूरपुर की जनता, कार्यकर्ताओं, उम्मीदवारों व सभी एकजुट दलों को जीत की हार्दिक बधाई! कैराना में सत्ताधारियों की हार उनकी अपनी ही प्रयोगशाला में, देश को बाँटने वाली उनकी राजनीति की हार है. ये एकता-अमन में विश्वास करने वाली जनता की जीत व अहंकारी सत्ता के अंत की शुरूआत है.
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I want to congratulate all the people who voted for us. This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy. People have given a befitting reply to the BJP: Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party President <a href="https://t.co/RrBM0JCXqX">pic.twitter.com/RrBM0JCXqX</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1002126074334003200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

''I want to congratulate all the people who voted for us. This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy. People have given a befitting reply to the BJP,'' the SP leader said.

Hours after bypolls results were declared, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on BJP saying people have given a befitting reply to the saffron party. The SP president congratulated all the people who voted for his party and said victory of the combined opposition candidates in the Kairana Lok Sabha and Noorpur Assembly bypolls is a "befitting" reply to the BJP and those who sought to divide the country. ''This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy,'' he added. ''I want to congratulate all the people who voted for us. This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy. People have given a befitting reply to the BJP,'' the SP leader further said. He said that people of the state have taught the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a lesson for "betraying" on all the poll promises. "People of the state have taught them a lesson for betraying them," Yadav said, adding, "UP government has repeatedly fooled the people. Farmers were told that their loans were waived but instead they lost their lives." The SP leader congratulated the voters in Noorpur and Kairana. "This is a victory for the farmers, the neglected, the poor and the Dalits." He thanked the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) Chief Ajit Singh, RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary for holding the fort against the BJP in Kairana and recalled the legacy of former Prime Minister Charan Singh. The SP leader also thanked the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Mahan Party, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Nishad Party, Peace Party, Left parties and the COngress for supporting the opposition candidates in the by-polls. कैराना और नूरपुर की जनता, कार्यकर्ताओं, उम्मीदवारों व सभी एकजुट दलों को जीत की हार्दिक बधाई! कैराना में सत्ताधारियों की हार उनकी अपनी ही प्रयोगशाला में, देश को बाँटने वाली उनकी राजनीति की हार है. ये एकता-अमन में विश्वास करने वाली जनता की जीत व अहंकारी सत्ता के अंत की शुरूआत है. — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 31, 2018 × I want to congratulate all the people who voted for us. This is a defeat for those who do not believe in the democracy. People have given a befitting reply to the BJP: Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party President pic.twitter.com/RrBM0JCXqX — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 31, 2018 ×

Bypoll results defeat for those who do not believe in 'democracy': Akhilesh Yadav

Even as the polling for the high-stakes by-elections to Kairana and Noorpur assembly constituencies is underway, the opposition has raised concerns about the reported malfunctioning of voting machines in some areas.&nbsp;

"Upchunav mein jagah jagah se EVM kharab hone ki khabrein aa rahi hain, lekin phir bhi apne matadhikar ke liye zaroor jayen aur apna kartavya nibhayan," Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said on Twitter.&nbsp;

It loosely translates to "getting reports of problems in EVMs in the by-election, but still, voters should go out and vote".&nbsp;

SP spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary said 140 EVMs were tampered with in Noorpur and that similar reports have come in from Kairana.

"BJP wants to avenge their defeat in the earlier bypolls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur anyhow and win the ongoing polls," he said.

RLD spokesman Anil Dubey echoed the Samajwadi Party's claims.&nbsp;

He said there were reports of EVM malfunctioning in both the constituencies, especially areas dominated by the RLD-SP combine.&nbsp;

"We (RLD and SP) are going to meet the chief electoral officer to lodge a formal complaint in this regard," Dubey added.&nbsp;

'Getting reports of problems in EVMs in the by-election, but still, voters should go out and vote,' Akhilesh Yadav tweeted

Even as the polling for the high-stakes by-elections to Kairana and Noorpur assembly constituencies is underway, the opposition has raised concerns about the reported malfunctioning of voting machines in some areas. "Upchunav mein jagah jagah se EVM kharab hone ki khabrein aa rahi hain, lekin phir bhi apne matadhikar ke liye zaroor jayen aur apna kartavya nibhayan," Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said on Twitter. It loosely translates to "getting reports of problems in EVMs in the by-election, but still, voters should go out and vote". SP spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary said 140 EVMs were tampered with in Noorpur and that similar reports have come in from Kairana. "BJP wants to avenge their defeat in the earlier bypolls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur anyhow and win the ongoing polls," he said. RLD spokesman Anil Dubey echoed the Samajwadi Party's claims. He said there were reports of EVM malfunctioning in both the constituencies, especially areas dominated by the RLD-SP combine. "We (RLD and SP) are going to meet the chief electoral officer to lodge a formal complaint in this regard," Dubey added.

Opposition raises EVM tampering claims in Kairana, Noorpur

With the electioneering for the Kairana Lok Sabha seat nearly over, the Samajwadi Party made clear on Friday that its president Akhilesh Yadav will not address any rally in support of the joint opposition candidate.

News agency PTI quoting an SP leader said there was no need for him to campaign given the anti-BJP mood in the Uttar Pradesh constituency where a bye-election will be held on May 28.

The party had earlier indicated that Yadav may address a rally in support of Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate Tabassum Hasan, who is also being backed by the SP, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress.

The Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after the death of BJP MP Hukum Singh, whose daughter Mriganka Singh is now that party's candidate.

A bypoll will also be held for the Noorpur assembly constituency in the state on the same day.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently attacked Akhilesh Yadav over the 2013 riots in neighbouring Muzaffarnagar, virtually daring him to campaign.

The SP chief doesn't have the courage to come here and campaign. His hands are stained with the blood of Muzaffarnagar riot victims," Adityanath had said during an election meeting in Saharanpur.

"The SP president is yet to be seen here, as people will question him about the Muzaffarnagar riots if he comes here," he had said.

SP legislator Sunil Singh Sajan said the party workers had initially asked Yadav to hold a rally in Kairana.

However, later we only asked him not to come, especially after seeing the frustration in the speech of UP CM Yogi Adityanath, he told.

He said in the prevailing anti-BJP mood there was no need for him to campaign. Also, Lok Dal candidate Kanwar Hasan had now pulled out of the contest, he added.

"The SP president has not campaigned for the bye-elections on both Kairana and Noorpur seats though he has been in direct touch with party leaders and office bearers there," SP spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary said.

"A written appeal by him has been sent but he has not gone there personally," Chaudhary said, adding that the decision on this was taken by the party.

The opposition campaign is being led by RLD leaders Ajit Singh and Jayant Chaudhary.

Akhilesh Yadav staying away is a strategic move, a senior SP leader said.

The party had earlier indicated that Yadav may address a rally in support of Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate Tabassum Hasan, who is also being backed by the SP, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress.

With the electioneering for the Kairana Lok Sabha seat nearly over, the Samajwadi Party made clear on Friday that its president Akhilesh Yadav will not address any rally in support of the joint opposition candidate. News agency PTI quoting an SP leader said there was no need for him to campaign given the anti-BJP mood in the Uttar Pradesh constituency where a bye-election will be held on May 28. The party had earlier indicated that Yadav may address a rally in support of Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate Tabassum Hasan, who is also being backed by the SP, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress. The Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after the death of BJP MP Hukum Singh, whose daughter Mriganka Singh is now that party's candidate. A bypoll will also be held for the Noorpur assembly constituency in the state on the same day. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently attacked Akhilesh Yadav over the 2013 riots in neighbouring Muzaffarnagar, virtually daring him to campaign. The SP chief doesn't have the courage to come here and campaign. His hands are stained with the blood of Muzaffarnagar riot victims," Adityanath had said during an election meeting in Saharanpur. "The SP president is yet to be seen here, as people will question him about the Muzaffarnagar riots if he comes here," he had said. SP legislator Sunil Singh Sajan said the party workers had initially asked Yadav to hold a rally in Kairana. However, later we only asked him not to come, especially after seeing the frustration in the speech of UP CM Yogi Adityanath, he told. He said in the prevailing anti-BJP mood there was no need for him to campaign. Also, Lok Dal candidate Kanwar Hasan had now pulled out of the contest, he added. "The SP president has not campaigned for the bye-elections on both Kairana and Noorpur seats though he has been in direct touch with party leaders and office bearers there," SP spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary said. "A written appeal by him has been sent but he has not gone there personally," Chaudhary said, adding that the decision on this was taken by the party. The opposition campaign is being led by RLD leaders Ajit Singh and Jayant Chaudhary. Akhilesh Yadav staying away is a strategic move, a senior SP leader said.

Kairana bypoll: Akhilesh Yadav will not campaign because of 'anti-BJP mood' in constituency, says SP

Taking a dig at the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, spokesperson of the BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit Rakesh Tripathi has termed the proposed visits of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to poll-bound Karnataka as "political tourism".

He, however, claimed that BJP workers and people in Karnataka want to have a glimpse of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his campaigning in different poll-bound states of the country is benefiting the party.

Alleging that both the SP and the BSP "thrive on caste politics", Tripathi said, "The election tours made to Karnataka by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati are simply political tourism."

"The main base and origin of both these parties is Uttar Pradesh. But, in this state their condition is miserable. Both of them are facing the worst times since their inception. They do not have any party organisation, base and mandate in Karnataka," he was quoted as saying in a statement.

The state BJP spokesperson claimed that the founding members of the BSP were deserting the party which is finding it tough to preserve its status as a national party.

Hitting out at the Samajwadi party, Tripathi said, "Ever since Akhilesh Yadav replaced his father (Mulayam Singh Yadav) as the SP president, the party has been weakened."

"The SP is a regional party. In Karnataka, it does not have any organisational structure. The tour of Akhilesh Yadav to Karnataka will prove to be a flop show like the one to Gujarat," the BJP leader said.

He claimed that Yogi Adityanath influenced the entire country after becoming the chief minister.

"This is the reason why there has been a continuous demand from various poll-bound states for Adityanath to campaign for BJP candidates," Tripathi said.

According to BJP sources, Adityanath will be seen in action, addressing as many as 35 rallies and road shows the saffron party has organised for him as the Nath sect, to which he belongs, wields considerable clout in coastal Karnataka.

As per the party's plans, the chief minister's hectic Karnataka tour will begin on May 3 and he will be there holding rallies daily between May 7 and 10, BJP spokesperson Shalabh Mani Tripathi told.

BSP supremo Mayawati, whose party has entered into a pact with former prime minister H D Deve Gowda's JD(S), has already started working in the state with her rallies starting April 25 from Mysuru.

She will be addressing a rally in Chitradurga today and Belagavi and Bidar on May 5-6 respectively. The BSP is contesting on 20 seats in Karnataka and is hoping to open an account there with the JD(S) support.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will also be touring the state to champion his party's cause in those constituencies where SP candidate is in the fray.

According to a party spokesperson, the SP has fielded over two dozen candidates in Karnataka.

Polling in Karnataka will be held in a single phase on May 12 for all the 224 Assembly seats in the Congress-ruled state, including 36 reserved for the Scheduled Castes and 15 for the Scheduled Tribes.&nbsp

Hitting out at the Samajwadi party, Tripathi said, "Ever since Akhilesh Yadav replaced his father (Mulayam Singh Yadav) as the SP president, the party has been weakened."

Taking a dig at the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, spokesperson of the BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit Rakesh Tripathi has termed the proposed visits of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to poll-bound Karnataka as "political tourism". He, however, claimed that BJP workers and people in Karnataka want to have a glimpse of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his campaigning in different poll-bound states of the country is benefiting the party. Alleging that both the SP and the BSP "thrive on caste politics", Tripathi said, "The election tours made to Karnataka by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati are simply political tourism." "The main base and origin of both these parties is Uttar Pradesh. But, in this state their condition is miserable. Both of them are facing the worst times since their inception. They do not have any party organisation, base and mandate in Karnataka," he was quoted as saying in a statement. The state BJP spokesperson claimed that the founding members of the BSP were deserting the party which is finding it tough to preserve its status as a national party. Hitting out at the Samajwadi party, Tripathi said, "Ever since Akhilesh Yadav replaced his father (Mulayam Singh Yadav) as the SP president, the party has been weakened." "The SP is a regional party. In Karnataka, it does not have any organisational structure. The tour of Akhilesh Yadav to Karnataka will prove to be a flop show like the one to Gujarat," the BJP leader said. He claimed that Yogi Adityanath influenced the entire country after becoming the chief minister. "This is the reason why there has been a continuous demand from various poll-bound states for Adityanath to campaign for BJP candidates," Tripathi said. According to BJP sources, Adityanath will be seen in action, addressing as many as 35 rallies and road shows the saffron party has organised for him as the Nath sect, to which he belongs, wields considerable clout in coastal Karnataka. As per the party's plans, the chief minister's hectic Karnataka tour will begin on May 3 and he will be there holding rallies daily between May 7 and 10, BJP spokesperson Shalabh Mani Tripathi told. BSP supremo Mayawati, whose party has entered into a pact with former prime minister H D Deve Gowda's JD(S), has already started working in the state with her rallies starting April 25 from Mysuru. She will be addressing a rally in Chitradurga today and Belagavi and Bidar on May 5-6 respectively. The BSP is contesting on 20 seats in Karnataka and is hoping to open an account there with the JD(S) support. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will also be touring the state to champion his party's cause in those constituencies where SP candidate is in the fray. According to a party spokesperson, the SP has fielded over two dozen candidates in Karnataka. Polling in Karnataka will be held in a single phase on May 12 for all the 224 Assembly seats in the Congress-ruled state, including 36 reserved for the Scheduled Castes and 15 for the Scheduled Tribes.

BJP terms Akhilesh, Mayawati's proposed Karnataka visit 'political tourism'

After its new-found bonhomie with the BSP won it two Lok sabha seats in recent bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party is set to celebrate Dr Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14 in a big way.

The party which had stayed content with celebrating anniversaries of socialist idealogues like Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia and Janeshwar Misra so far has asked all its district units to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti at the district party headquarters or any public place to mark the day.

Though the Samajwadi Party's move has not gone down well with the BJP, which has termed it a big drama, political analyst Ramesh Dixit said it is aimed at further consolidating the relations.

"All the forces of social justice are coming together on one platform... This move is aimed at consolidating the friendship for the cause of defeating rivals," Dixit said, who retired as head of the political science department of Lucknow University.

It is also a move to claim the legacy of social justice espoused by these parties which was being grabbed by the BJP which has had no connection with them," he said.

Samajwadi Party which had been holding customary functions on Ambedkar Jayanti has this time asked its partymen to recall the services of Babasaheb as also his resolve taken while framing the Constitution.

SP's state unit president Party Naresh Uttam said that on 127th anniversary of Babasaheb this April 14, all district and city unit heads have been asked to pay homage and recall his immense contribution to the country and emancipation of the downtrodden.

This will be perhaps the first time that a conscious effort is being made by the SP to ensure celebrations on Dr Ambedkar Jayanti on a big scale.

The BSP had been organising Ambedkar Jayanti annually on a big scale with its president Mayawati leading partymen in paying homage to the Dalit icon.

There are, however, no plans yet to hold any joint SP-BSP programmes on the day.

It is wrong to say that we will be celebrating Ambedkar Jayanti for the first time. The party has always paid tributes to Dr Ambedkar on his birth and death anniversary and we hold him in high esteem," SP spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary said.

A senior SP leader on condition of anonymity said that party will try to remove doubts in the minds, if any, that its ideology was at variance with that of BSP and reach out to all sections of society.

Before the coming Lok Sabha elections early next year, the Ambedkar Jayanti will give a chance to increase the interaction and coordination between the cadres of both the parties in order to develop better understanding, he said.

It is a fact that the success of any alliance of these two major players in the state depend on how Dalits and OBCs, especially Yadavs, come to terms with each other, he said.

BJP spokesman Rakesh Tripathi however said, "It is a big drama? ever since the SP has made 'elephant' (BSP's election symbol) its friend, it is worried for the Dalits but the people of Uttar Pradesh have not forgotten how Dalits were at the receiving end on the very day when Akhilesh Yadav had become the chief minister in 2012 and how their houses and hamlets were set ablaze."

The understanding between the SP and the BSP in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha bye-elections stopped the victory march of the BJP, which along with its allies had bagged 73 of the 80 parliamentary seats in the state.

While Gorakhpur is the home turf of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Phulpur was represented by his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya and defeats in both the places at the hands of the SP caused considerable embarrassment to the saffron party ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, though the BJP took a sweet revenge soon afterwards by defeating the BSP candidate in the recent Rajya Sabha biennial elections in the state.

Samajwadi Party which had been holding customary functions on Ambedkar Jayanti has this time asked its partymen to recall the services of Babasaheb as also his resolve taken while framing the Constitution.

After its new-found bonhomie with the BSP won it two Lok sabha seats in recent bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party is set to celebrate Dr Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14 in a big way. The party which had stayed content with celebrating anniversaries of socialist idealogues like Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia and Janeshwar Misra so far has asked all its district units to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti at the district party headquarters or any public place to mark the day. Though the Samajwadi Party's move has not gone down well with the BJP, which has termed it a big drama, political analyst Ramesh Dixit said it is aimed at further consolidating the relations. "All the forces of social justice are coming together on one platform... This move is aimed at consolidating the friendship for the cause of defeating rivals," Dixit said, who retired as head of the political science department of Lucknow University. It is also a move to claim the legacy of social justice espoused by these parties which was being grabbed by the BJP which has had no connection with them," he said. Samajwadi Party which had been holding customary functions on Ambedkar Jayanti has this time asked its partymen to recall the services of Babasaheb as also his resolve taken while framing the Constitution. SP's state unit president Party Naresh Uttam said that on 127th anniversary of Babasaheb this April 14, all district and city unit heads have been asked to pay homage and recall his immense contribution to the country and emancipation of the downtrodden. This will be perhaps the first time that a conscious effort is being made by the SP to ensure celebrations on Dr Ambedkar Jayanti on a big scale. The BSP had been organising Ambedkar Jayanti annually on a big scale with its president Mayawati leading partymen in paying homage to the Dalit icon. There are, however, no plans yet to hold any joint SP-BSP programmes on the day. It is wrong to say that we will be celebrating Ambedkar Jayanti for the first time. The party has always paid tributes to Dr Ambedkar on his birth and death anniversary and we hold him in high esteem," SP spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary said. A senior SP leader on condition of anonymity said that party will try to remove doubts in the minds, if any, that its ideology was at variance with that of BSP and reach out to all sections of society. Before the coming Lok Sabha elections early next year, the Ambedkar Jayanti will give a chance to increase the interaction and coordination between the cadres of both the parties in order to develop better understanding, he said. It is a fact that the success of any alliance of these two major players in the state depend on how Dalits and OBCs, especially Yadavs, come to terms with each other, he said. BJP spokesman Rakesh Tripathi however said, "It is a big drama? ever since the SP has made 'elephant' (BSP's election symbol) its friend, it is worried for the Dalits but the people of Uttar Pradesh have not forgotten how Dalits were at the receiving end on the very day when Akhilesh Yadav had become the chief minister in 2012 and how their houses and hamlets were set ablaze." The understanding between the SP and the BSP in the Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha bye-elections stopped the victory march of the BJP, which along with its allies had bagged 73 of the 80 parliamentary seats in the state. While Gorakhpur is the home turf of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Phulpur was represented by his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya and defeats in both the places at the hands of the SP caused considerable embarrassment to the saffron party ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, though the BJP took a sweet revenge soon afterwards by defeating the BSP candidate in the recent Rajya Sabha biennial elections in the state.

SP to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti after friendship with Mayawati

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has reacted after the shocking defeat of BJP on his home-turf Gorakhpur, and Phulpur &ndash; both seats previously represented by him and his deputy in Uttar Pradesh government Keshav Prasad Maurya respectively.&nbsp;

&ldquo;We accept the verdict of the people, this result is unexpected, we will review the shortcomings. I congratulate the winning candidates,&rdquo; said UP CM Yogi.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> UP CM Yogi Adityanath says &#39;Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge&#39; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPByPoll?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPByPoll</a> <a href="https://t.co/DtyHvLeJqH">pic.twitter.com/DtyHvLeJqH</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/973899298382450689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The 45-year-old Yogi Adityanath was the Gorakhpur MP since 1998 for five terms till he resigned after being picked to be Uttar Pradesh chief minister.&nbsp;

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Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge: CM Yogi Adityanath <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPByPoll?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPByPoll</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yyz0TXVSrP">pic.twitter.com/Yyz0TXVSrP</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/973894605728047104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&ldquo;Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge (This SP-BSP political alliance has been formed to hamper the deveopment of the country. We will prepare our strategy for this,&rdquo; he added.

Adityanath pointed out reasons that led to the defeat of BJP in both seats.

Yogi Adityanath was the Gorakhpur MP since 1998 for five terms till he resigned after being picked to be Uttar Pradesh chief minister

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has reacted after the shocking defeat of BJP on his home-turf Gorakhpur, and Phulpur – both seats previously represented by him and his deputy in Uttar Pradesh government Keshav Prasad Maurya respectively. “We accept the verdict of the people, this result is unexpected, we will review the shortcomings. I congratulate the winning candidates,” said UP CM Yogi. #WATCH UP CM Yogi Adityanath says 'Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge' #UPByPoll pic.twitter.com/DtyHvLeJqH — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 14, 2018 × The 45-year-old Yogi Adityanath was the Gorakhpur MP since 1998 for five terms till he resigned after being picked to be Uttar Pradesh chief minister. Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge: CM Yogi Adityanath #UPByPoll pic.twitter.com/Yyz0TXVSrP — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 14, 2018 × “Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge (This SP-BSP political alliance has been formed to hamper the deveopment of the country. We will prepare our strategy for this,” he added. Adityanath pointed out reasons that led to the defeat of BJP in both seats.

Watch: We accept people's verdict, says Yogi Adityanath after BJP's defeat in bypolls

The remarks made by Naresh Agrawal, who&nbsp;recently joined the BJP, against Jaya Bachchan brought out the worst our politics has to offer. But equally refreshing was the united front our women MPs put forward when it came to criticising Agrawal, a former Samajwadi Party leader.

Irrespective of differing political ideologies, the unity among women politicians&nbsp;showed how much they value women&#39;s dignity. While women had been fighting a tough battle for their political inclusion to bridge the gender disparities in the nation, some male political leaders are irked by the same.&nbsp;

Agrawal showed his resentment over being denied a chance to enter the Rajya Sabha. Samajwadi Party, which had only one Rajya Sabha seat from Uttar Pradesh, chose actor-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan over Agrawal. This displeased him, to such an extent that he quit the party. But within a few hours of joining BJP, he openly projected his envious feeling against Jaya Bachchan at a press conference on Monday, making a misogynist comment that he was denied the Rajya Sabha ticket for somebody who &quot;used to dance in films&quot;.&nbsp;

The sexist comment rattled not only the targeted Mrs. Bachchan, but many other women politicians. Although political parties are always ready to demean other party&#39;s leaders, this time the dirty politics was beaten by a strong condemnation, in the form of an outcry not just from Agrawal&#39;s party but other fellow politicians as well.

BJP leader Smriti Irani, who is herself fighting a defamation case against Sanjay Nirupam&nbsp;for allegedly making a sexist remark about her political entry, was the most vocal of Agrawal&#39;s critics. She was amongst the first ones taking a bold stand in&nbsp;favour&nbsp;of Jaya Bachchan. She expressed her emotions on Twitter.&nbsp;

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My case is in the court of law for 5 years now. But let my battle not be an excuse to humiliate other women. In fact let it be a reminder for us that when a woman&rsquo;s honour is challenged we stand as one in our condemnation irrespective of our politics. <a href="https://t.co/beneLYVHnk">https://t.co/beneLYVHnk</a>
&mdash; Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/973200903175065600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Jaya Bachchan got support from other women political leaders too. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj rebuked Agrawal in a tweet, expressing her strong objection to his remark.&nbsp;

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Shri Naresh Agarwal has joined Bhartiya Janata Party. He is welcome. However, his comments regarding Jaya Bachhan ji are improper and unacceptable.
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/973183007526801408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The horde fighting for and supporting the dignity of women in politics further grew when BJP leader Roopa Ganguly, another actor-turned-politician, exhibited her dismay over Agrawal&#39;s comment.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JayaBachchan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JayaBachchan</a> very sad comment of Mr Naresh Agarwal. I Do not accept this.. this is not bjp leadership. I am proud of Jaya di&#39;s contribution to the film industry and also as a parliamentarian. <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Bengal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Bengal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jayabachhan445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jayabachhan445</a> 
We respect you Jayadi
&mdash; Roopa Ganguly (@RoopaSpeaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoopaSpeaks/status/973225062361804800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Though Agrawal&#39;s remarks were disheartening for the entire female population, it united women politicians with harmony and mutual empathy. Each and every stand in&nbsp;favour&nbsp;of Jaya Bachchan showed that political failures cannot be used as an excuse to malign the dignity of a woman. Whether it is Smriti Irani or Jaya Bachchan,&nbsp;if the question is about women&#39;s dignity then no matter which political party a woman leader belongs to, her stature will always be above inter-party differences.

&nbsp;

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Although political parties are always ready to demean other party's leaders, this time the dirty politics was beaten up by a strong condemnation from women in Jaya Bachchan-Naresh Agrawal controversy.

The remarks made by Naresh Agrawal, who recently joined the BJP, against Jaya Bachchan brought out the worst our politics has to offer. But equally refreshing was the united front our women MPs put forward when it came to criticising Agrawal, a former Samajwadi Party leader. Irrespective of differing political ideologies, the unity among women politicians showed how much they value women's dignity. While women had been fighting a tough battle for their political inclusion to bridge the gender disparities in the nation, some male political leaders are irked by the same. Agrawal showed his resentment over being denied a chance to enter the Rajya Sabha. Samajwadi Party, which had only one Rajya Sabha seat from Uttar Pradesh, chose actor-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan over Agrawal. This displeased him, to such an extent that he quit the party. But within a few hours of joining BJP, he openly projected his envious feeling against Jaya Bachchan at a press conference on Monday, making a misogynist comment that he was denied the Rajya Sabha ticket for somebody who "used to dance in films". The sexist comment rattled not only the targeted Mrs. Bachchan, but many other women politicians. Although political parties are always ready to demean other party's leaders, this time the dirty politics was beaten by a strong condemnation, in the form of an outcry not just from Agrawal's party but other fellow politicians as well. BJP leader Smriti Irani, who is herself fighting a defamation case against Sanjay Nirupam for allegedly making a sexist remark about her political entry, was the most vocal of Agrawal's critics. She was amongst the first ones taking a bold stand in favour of Jaya Bachchan. She expressed her emotions on Twitter. My case is in the court of law for 5 years now. But let my battle not be an excuse to humiliate other women. In fact let it be a reminder for us that when a woman’s honour is challenged we stand as one in our condemnation irrespective of our politics. https://t.co/beneLYVHnk — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 12, 2018 × Jaya Bachchan got support from other women political leaders too. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj rebuked Agrawal in a tweet, expressing her strong objection to his remark. Shri Naresh Agarwal has joined Bhartiya Janata Party. He is welcome. However, his comments regarding Jaya Bachhan ji are improper and unacceptable. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 12, 2018 × The horde fighting for and supporting the dignity of women in politics further grew when BJP leader Roopa Ganguly, another actor-turned-politician, exhibited her dismay over Agrawal's comment. #JayaBachchan very sad comment of Mr Naresh Agarwal. I Do not accept this.. this is not bjp leadership. I am proud of Jaya di's contribution to the film industry and also as a parliamentarian. @BJP4India @narendramodi @AmitShah @BJP4Bengal @jayabachhan445 We respect you Jayadi — Roopa Ganguly (@RoopaSpeaks) March 12, 2018 × Though Agrawal's remarks were disheartening for the entire female population, it united women politicians with harmony and mutual empathy. Each and every stand in favour of Jaya Bachchan showed that political failures cannot be used as an excuse to malign the dignity of a woman. Whether it is Smriti Irani or Jaya Bachchan, if the question is about women's dignity then no matter which political party a woman leader belongs to, her stature will always be above inter-party differences. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Heartening to see BJP women politicians uniting for Jaya Bachchan

The bypoll results in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh is a big blow to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Not only the BJP lost Gorakhpur, which it has won since 1989, and Phulpur in UP, it also lost Araria in Bihar. The Gorakhpur seat was held by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a new star in BJP who is being actively pushed in Karnataka also.

The margin of victory might not be humongous but the impact of the defeat will be immense and long lasting. The victory is a silver lining for the Opposition that BJP can be defeated in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Similar feats were achieved against the Congress Party in 70s, 80s and 90s but none of the winning Fronts could complete the term because of competing ambitions. What is of greater importance here is that a defeat has happened at a time when it was least expected and close to the Lok Sabha elections.

In UP, Mayawati may have done a deal for Rajya Sabha adjustment but the victory will certainly fire the imagination of the entire Opposition which has been reeling under BJP&#39;s onslaught. It will further increase pressure on the Congress to join the bandwagon to stop BJP. Ideally, Congress would like UPA to be the umbrella for the Opposition unity but bypoll results has ensured that a Third Front led by a regional satrap cannot be ruled out. This could be a problem for both Congress and Rahul Gandhi. The results show that Congress has not been able to capitalise on the gains of 2009 when it got 20 Lok Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh.

It is also not the first time that Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have done a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsp-sp-alliance-rumours-for-2019-lok-sabha-elections-false-mayawati-34623">pre-poll tie-up</a>. In order to stop BJP, both SP and BSP fought elections together in 1993 and went on to form the government. The understanding was short lived as Mayawati withdrew support from the Mulayum Singh government after some time. This betrayal led to &#39;Guest House altercation&#39; where Mayawati remained locked inside the Lucknow guest house fearing for her life as SP workers paraded outside. The animosity took 23 years to dissolve when BSP realised that if it does not compromise, it may end up as a minor player in UP. BSP could not win a single seat in 2014 Lok Sabha elections and got 19 seats in assembly election in 2017.

Cut to 2019, SP-BSP combine has been able to recapture the same magic whereby Dalits, Muslims and Yadavs have voted together. Many would argue that it is a vote against polarisation which has taken place in Uttar Pradesh. To an extent it is correct. If it has consolidated Hindu vote it has also created a caste consolidation of those who have not been accommodated in the Hindu block.

It also points to the fact that BJP&#39;s reliance on Narendra Modi today is far greater than on any leader in the past. It proves that without Modi, BJP struggles.

The BJP was able to capture 93 seats in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh during 2014 Lok Sabha elections. If combined Opposition formula works, BJP may not be able to repeat the feat.

The results have hit at BJP&#39;s prestige in Hindi heartland. It is also a lesson that politics in India is unpredictable and newer combinations can actually dethrone strongest of governments. It also shows that it takes very little time to get politically isolated. It is staring at its own isolation with unhappy Shiva Sena and TDP.

In the past it happened with Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi who had complete control over the government and absolute majority. They were dislodged by the regional parties. But before the hustings, both regimes got politically isolated.

The results in UP and Bihar have paved the way for closer cooperation between regional parties which poses a clear and present threat to BJP. And it has happened despite BJP trying to break Opposition&#39;s unity whether it is Nitish Kumar or Naresh Agarwal.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

It also points to the fact that BJP's reliance on Narendra Modi today is far greater than on any leader in the past.

The bypoll results in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh is a big blow to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Not only the BJP lost Gorakhpur, which it has won since 1989, and Phulpur in UP, it also lost Araria in Bihar. The Gorakhpur seat was held by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a new star in BJP who is being actively pushed in Karnataka also. The margin of victory might not be humongous but the impact of the defeat will be immense and long lasting. The victory is a silver lining for the Opposition that BJP can be defeated in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Similar feats were achieved against the Congress Party in 70s, 80s and 90s but none of the winning Fronts could complete the term because of competing ambitions. What is of greater importance here is that a defeat has happened at a time when it was least expected and close to the Lok Sabha elections. In UP, Mayawati may have done a deal for Rajya Sabha adjustment but the victory will certainly fire the imagination of the entire Opposition which has been reeling under BJP's onslaught. It will further increase pressure on the Congress to join the bandwagon to stop BJP. Ideally, Congress would like UPA to be the umbrella for the Opposition unity but bypoll results has ensured that a Third Front led by a regional satrap cannot be ruled out. This could be a problem for both Congress and Rahul Gandhi. The results show that Congress has not been able to capitalise on the gains of 2009 when it got 20 Lok Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh. It is also not the first time that Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have done a pre-poll tie-up. In order to stop BJP, both SP and BSP fought elections together in 1993 and went on to form the government. The understanding was short lived as Mayawati withdrew support from the Mulayum Singh government after some time. This betrayal led to 'Guest House altercation' where Mayawati remained locked inside the Lucknow guest house fearing for her life as SP workers paraded outside. The animosity took 23 years to dissolve when BSP realised that if it does not compromise, it may end up as a minor player in UP. BSP could not win a single seat in 2014 Lok Sabha elections and got 19 seats in assembly election in 2017. Cut to 2019, SP-BSP combine has been able to recapture the same magic whereby Dalits, Muslims and Yadavs have voted together. Many would argue that it is a vote against polarisation which has taken place in Uttar Pradesh. To an extent it is correct. If it has consolidated Hindu vote it has also created a caste consolidation of those who have not been accommodated in the Hindu block. It also points to the fact that BJP's reliance on Narendra Modi today is far greater than on any leader in the past. It proves that without Modi, BJP struggles. The BJP was able to capture 93 seats in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh during 2014 Lok Sabha elections. If combined Opposition formula works, BJP may not be able to repeat the feat. The results have hit at BJP's prestige in Hindi heartland. It is also a lesson that politics in India is unpredictable and newer combinations can actually dethrone strongest of governments. It also shows that it takes very little time to get politically isolated. It is staring at its own isolation with unhappy Shiva Sena and TDP. In the past it happened with Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi who had complete control over the government and absolute majority. They were dislodged by the regional parties. But before the hustings, both regimes got politically isolated. The results in UP and Bihar have paved the way for closer cooperation between regional parties which poses a clear and present threat to BJP. And it has happened despite BJP trying to break Opposition's unity whether it is Nitish Kumar or Naresh Agarwal. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Gorakhpur, Phulpur bypoll results show BJP's juggernaut can be stopped

Reacting to Samajwadi Party&rsquo;s victory in Gorakhpur and Phulpur bypolls, former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said the verdict is against the bad governance of the BJP government.&nbsp;

&quot;I want to thank BSP leader Mayawati for her support on both Lok Sabha seats,&quot; said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.

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If this is the anger of people in areas of CM &amp; Deputy CM, you can imagine the anger of the people of the rest of the country: Akhilesh Yadav, SP. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPByPoll?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPByPoll</a> <a href="https://t.co/5nTlOIT4hz">pic.twitter.com/5nTlOIT4hz</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/973905067303755776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Akhilesh attributed Samajwadi Party&rsquo;s win to the support from Dalits, farmers, labourers, women and unemployed; says it is a victory of social justice.&nbsp;

&quot;Governments which trouble people are brought down; this government brought problems and led to fear among people,&quot; said Akhilesh Yadav

The SP-BSP combine won Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha seats, vacated by party&rsquo;s two top leaders &ndash; Adityanath and Keshav Prasad Maurya who respectively went on to become the chief minister and deputy chief minister of the state.

Akhilesh attributed Samajwadi Party’s win to the support from Dalits, farmers, labourers, women and unemployed

Reacting to Samajwadi Party’s victory in Gorakhpur and Phulpur bypolls, former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said the verdict is against the bad governance of the BJP government. "I want to thank BSP leader Mayawati for her support on both Lok Sabha seats," said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. If this is the anger of people in areas of CM & Deputy CM, you can imagine the anger of the people of the rest of the country: Akhilesh Yadav, SP. #UPByPoll pic.twitter.com/5nTlOIT4hz — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2018 × Akhilesh attributed Samajwadi Party’s win to the support from Dalits, farmers, labourers, women and unemployed; says it is a victory of social justice. "Governments which trouble people are brought down; this government brought problems and led to fear among people," said Akhilesh Yadav The SP-BSP combine won Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha seats, vacated by party’s two top leaders – Adityanath and Keshav Prasad Maurya who respectively went on to become the chief minister and deputy chief minister of the state.

People reply to governments that trouble them, says Akhilesh after UP bypoll wins

The Samajwadi Party&#39;s Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel won the Phulpur Lok Sabha bypoll by 59,613 votes Wednesday evening. The BJP came in second.&nbsp;

In the Gorakhpur bypoll meanwhile, the SP&#39;s Praveen Kumar Nishad won by 21,881 votes

The BSP did not put up any candidates, so as to not split the anti-BJP vote.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accepted the defeats, saying after the loss:&nbsp;&quot;We accept the verdict of the people, this result is unexpected, we will review the shortcomings. I congratulate the winning candidates.&quot; &nbsp;

Remember, UP CM Yogi Adityanath was elected MP from Gorakhpur five times before this. He had to vacate the Lok Sabha seat after becoming chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, the Phulpur seat was vacated by Keshav Prasad Maurya after he became deputy chief minister.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&quot;Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> UP CM Yogi Adityanath says &#39;Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge&#39; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPByPoll?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPByPoll</a> <a href="https://t.co/DtyHvLeJqH">pic.twitter.com/DtyHvLeJqH</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/973899298382450689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Patel meanwhile thanked BSP chief Mayawati after his win:&nbsp;

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Behenji ka bhi bahot aashirwad tha. Ek hi vichaardhara ke sabhi parties ek huyin aur humaari jeet huyi. Jeet ka shrey Akhilesh ji, Behenji Mayawati ji aur Phulpur ki janta ko deta hoon: Nagendra Singh Patel, Samajwadi Party&#39;s winning candidate. <a href="https://t.co/kqjqGSvmen">pic.twitter.com/kqjqGSvmen</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/973886924632051713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress meanwhile fared poorly in the polls, with its candidates from both Phulpur and Gorakhpur losing their deposits.&nbsp;

That however did not stop Congress President Rahul Gandhi from proclaiming that the BJP losses showed that voters are angry with the BJP.&nbsp;

&quot;It is clear from the bypoll results that voters are angry with BJP and they will vote for the non-BJP candidate who has strongest chance of winning. As far as Congress is concerned, we are committed towards rebuilding the party in UP, and it does not happen overnight,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

'We accept the verdict of the people, this result is unexpected, we will review the shortcomings,' UP CM Yogi Adityanath said after the defeat

The Samajwadi Party's Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel won the Phulpur Lok Sabha bypoll by 59,613 votes Wednesday evening. The BJP came in second. In the Gorakhpur bypoll meanwhile, the SP's Praveen Kumar Nishad won by 21,881 votes The BSP did not put up any candidates, so as to not split the anti-BJP vote. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accepted the defeats, saying after the loss: "We accept the verdict of the people, this result is unexpected, we will review the shortcomings. I congratulate the winning candidates." Remember, UP CM Yogi Adityanath was elected MP from Gorakhpur five times before this. He had to vacate the Lok Sabha seat after becoming chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, the Phulpur seat was vacated by Keshav Prasad Maurya after he became deputy chief minister. "Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge," he added. #WATCH UP CM Yogi Adityanath says 'Yeh BSP-SP ka jo rajnitik saudebaazi, desh ke vikas ko baadhit karne ke liye bani hai, iske baare mein hum apni rann neeti tayaar karenge' #UPByPoll pic.twitter.com/DtyHvLeJqH — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 14, 2018 × Patel meanwhile thanked BSP chief Mayawati after his win: Behenji ka bhi bahot aashirwad tha. Ek hi vichaardhara ke sabhi parties ek huyin aur humaari jeet huyi. Jeet ka shrey Akhilesh ji, Behenji Mayawati ji aur Phulpur ki janta ko deta hoon: Nagendra Singh Patel, Samajwadi Party's winning candidate. pic.twitter.com/kqjqGSvmen — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 14, 2018 × The Congress meanwhile fared poorly in the polls, with its candidates from both Phulpur and Gorakhpur losing their deposits. That however did not stop Congress President Rahul Gandhi from proclaiming that the BJP losses showed that voters are angry with the BJP. "It is clear from the bypoll results that voters are angry with BJP and they will vote for the non-BJP candidate who has strongest chance of winning. As far as Congress is concerned, we are committed towards rebuilding the party in UP, and it does not happen overnight," he said.

Uttar Pradesh bypolls: UP shocker; SP wins both Yogi bastion of Gorakhpur and Phulpur seat

Bollywood actress and politician Jaya Prada on Saturday said that Khilji&#39;s character in Padmaavat reminded her of Azam Khan.&nbsp;

As per Prada, Samajwadi Party leader, Azam Khan, had harassed her during re-election from Rampur constituency in Uttar Pradesh in 2009.&nbsp;

In 2009, she accused SP leader Azam Khan of circulating material to sully her image and said she would complain to the Election Commission about it.

&nbsp;&quot;When I was watching Padmaavat, Khilji&#39;s character reminded me of Azam Khan ji, how he had harassed me during elections when I was contesting,&quot; she told news agency ANI.

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When I was watching <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padmaavat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padmaavat</a> , Khilji&#39;s character reminded me of Azam Khan ji, how he had harassed me during elections when I was contesting: Jaya Prada <a href="https://t.co/NVRi59aK8A">pic.twitter.com/NVRi59aK8A</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/972361694881239043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The veteran actress had previously said senior party leader Azam Khan was distributing CDs with morphed and objectionable photos of her.

In 2015, the former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh and Prada were sacked from SP. Singh had told Khan to avoid making comments on UP Governor Ram Naik as he holds a constitutional post.

&quot;Azam is close to Mulayam Singh Yadav and due to him, me and Jaya Prada were sacked form SP. Such statements from him will adversely affect party&#39;s reputation&quot;, he had said then.&nbsp;

The 55-year-old has continuously accused Azam Khan of harassing her.&nbsp;

As per Prada, Samajwadi Party leader, Azam Khan, had harassed her during re-election from Rampur constituency in Uttar Pradesh in 2009

Bollywood actress and politician Jaya Prada on Saturday said that Khilji's character in Padmaavat reminded her of Azam Khan. As per Prada, Samajwadi Party leader, Azam Khan, had harassed her during re-election from Rampur constituency in Uttar Pradesh in 2009. In 2009, she accused SP leader Azam Khan of circulating material to sully her image and said she would complain to the Election Commission about it. "When I was watching Padmaavat, Khilji's character reminded me of Azam Khan ji, how he had harassed me during elections when I was contesting," she told news agency ANI. When I was watching #Padmaavat , Khilji's character reminded me of Azam Khan ji, how he had harassed me during elections when I was contesting: Jaya Prada pic.twitter.com/NVRi59aK8A — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 10, 2018 × The veteran actress had previously said senior party leader Azam Khan was distributing CDs with morphed and objectionable photos of her. In 2015, the former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh and Prada were sacked from SP. Singh had told Khan to avoid making comments on UP Governor Ram Naik as he holds a constitutional post. "Azam is close to Mulayam Singh Yadav and due to him, me and Jaya Prada were sacked form SP. Such statements from him will adversely affect party's reputation", he had said then. The 55-year-old has continuously accused Azam Khan of harassing her.

'Azam Khan reminds me of Padmaavat's Khilji,' Jaya Prada says

The two arch-rivals in the Uttar Pradesh politics, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party, have decided to come together to fight against the BJP in the upcoming by-polls.

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Polls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha constituencies are scheduled to be held on March 11.

The seat in the two constituencies&nbsp;was vacated by Yogi Adityanath and his deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya in 2017.

Upendra Dutt Shukla will contest for BJP from Gorakhpur, Kushalendra Singh Patel will be its candidate from Phulpur.&nbsp;

Sunil Singh SP MLA said &quot;All I know is BSP does not contest by-elections. At both places where by-elections are being held, SP will give a strong fight to defeat the BJP&quot;.

&quot;The workers of the BSP want to eliminate BJP and that is why the members of Bahujan Samaj Party have decided to extend support and vote for Samajwadi Party candidate Nagendra&nbsp;Singh Patel in Phulpur by-poll,&quot; said Ashok Gautam, BSP Zonal Coordinator from Allahabad.

BSP in charge from Gorakhpur, Ghanshyam&nbsp;Chandra Kharwar, has declared his support to Samajwadi Party candidate Praveen Kumar Nishad in upcoming Gorakhpur by-poll.

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All I know is BSP does not contest by-elections. At both places where by-elections are being held, SP will give a strong fight to defeat the BJP: Sunil Singh Yadav, SP on reports of BSP support to SP for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gorakhpur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gorakhpur</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Phulpur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Phulpur</a> by-elections <a href="https://t.co/jUWwmI7ija">pic.twitter.com/jUWwmI7ija</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/970160932834902017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Our workers want to eliminate BJP &amp; that is why the members of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have decided to extend support &amp; vote for Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate Nagendra Singh Patel in Phulpur by-poll: Ashok Gautam, BSP Zonal Coordinator, Allahabad <a href="https://t.co/R2vRFY6Lx5">pic.twitter.com/R2vRFY6Lx5</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/970213516819939328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) Gorakhpur in-charge Ghanshyam Chandra Kharwar declared support to Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate Praveen Kumar Nishad in upcoming Gorakhpur by-poll <a href="https://t.co/4f1YSou3ho">pic.twitter.com/4f1YSou3ho</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/970215837377249280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While no clarification has come from the SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, party spokesperson Pankhuri Pathak has tweeted that the two parties will fight the by-polls together.&nbsp;

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BSP &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/samajwadiparty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@samajwadiparty</a> to fight by-polls together. It&rsquo;s official. Congrats to both parties &amp; all members . Time to score that win ????????✌????
&mdash; Pankhuri Pathak (@pankhuripathak) <a href="https://twitter.com/pankhuripathak/status/970215547928547329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The SP and BSP had in the past fought together against the BJP in 1993 UP assembly elections.&nbsp;

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SP aur BSP, BJP ki aayi bhaadh ke kaaran ek hone ko majboor hui hain. Suna tha jab baadh aati hai, saanp aur nevla ek hi daal par baith jaate hain,dushmani chod dete hain. Jab pyaas lagti hai, sher aur bakri ek hi ghat par paani pee lete hain. Aisa hi ye gathbandhan hai: L Bajpai <a href="https://t.co/kOcR8f7J5B">pic.twitter.com/kOcR8f7J5B</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/970228859068071936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Polls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha constituencies are scheduled to be held on March 11. The seat in the two constituencies was vacated by Yogi Adityanath and his deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya in 2017

The two arch-rivals in the Uttar Pradesh politics, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party, have decided to come together to fight against the BJP in the upcoming by-polls. × Polls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha constituencies are scheduled to be held on March 11. The seat in the two constituencies was vacated by Yogi Adityanath and his deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya in 2017. Upendra Dutt Shukla will contest for BJP from Gorakhpur, Kushalendra Singh Patel will be its candidate from Phulpur. Sunil Singh SP MLA said "All I know is BSP does not contest by-elections. At both places where by-elections are being held, SP will give a strong fight to defeat the BJP". "The workers of the BSP want to eliminate BJP and that is why the members of Bahujan Samaj Party have decided to extend support and vote for Samajwadi Party candidate Nagendra Singh Patel in Phulpur by-poll," said Ashok Gautam, BSP Zonal Coordinator from Allahabad. BSP in charge from Gorakhpur, Ghanshyam Chandra Kharwar, has declared his support to Samajwadi Party candidate Praveen Kumar Nishad in upcoming Gorakhpur by-poll. All I know is BSP does not contest by-elections. At both places where by-elections are being held, SP will give a strong fight to defeat the BJP: Sunil Singh Yadav, SP on reports of BSP support to SP for #Gorakhpur & #Phulpur by-elections pic.twitter.com/jUWwmI7ija — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2018 × Our workers want to eliminate BJP & that is why the members of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have decided to extend support & vote for Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate Nagendra Singh Patel in Phulpur by-poll: Ashok Gautam, BSP Zonal Coordinator, Allahabad pic.twitter.com/R2vRFY6Lx5 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2018 × BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) Gorakhpur in-charge Ghanshyam Chandra Kharwar declared support to Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate Praveen Kumar Nishad in upcoming Gorakhpur by-poll pic.twitter.com/4f1YSou3ho — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2018 × While no clarification has come from the SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, party spokesperson Pankhuri Pathak has tweeted that the two parties will fight the by-polls together. BSP & @samajwadiparty to fight by-polls together. It’s official. Congrats to both parties & all members . Time to score that win ????????✌???? — Pankhuri Pathak (@pankhuripathak) March 4, 2018 × The SP and BSP had in the past fought together against the BJP in 1993 UP assembly elections. SP aur BSP, BJP ki aayi bhaadh ke kaaran ek hone ko majboor hui hain. Suna tha jab baadh aati hai, saanp aur nevla ek hi daal par baith jaate hain,dushmani chod dete hain. Jab pyaas lagti hai, sher aur bakri ek hi ghat par paani pee lete hain. Aisa hi ye gathbandhan hai: L Bajpai pic.twitter.com/kOcR8f7J5B — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2018 ×

SP, BSP to collectively fight against BJP in UP bypolls

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