The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Uttar Pradesh): As Uttar Pradesh gears up for the third phase of polling on May 7, the Samajwadi Party (SP) faces a crucial test in its traditional strongholds. The high-stakes electoral battle will unfold across 10 Lok Sabha constituencies, including Sambhal, Hathras, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etah, Badaun, Bareilly, and Aonla.
In the 2019 general elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in eight out of these 10 seats, while the SP managed to secure wins in Mainpuri and Sambhal. This phase holds particular significance for the SP’s first family, with Dimple Yadav, Akshay Yadav, and Aditya Yadav contesting from Mainpuri, Firozabad, and Budaun, respectively.
The political landscape in this phase is heavily influenced by the presence of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), with Yadavs, Lodhs, and Kachhi/Shakya/Murao communities playing a decisive role. Additionally, Muslim and Jat demographics continue to exert their influence in specific regions.
The campaign trail has witnessed high-profile leaders from all parties making their presence felt. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spearheaded the BJP’s campaign, targeting the alleged dynasty and appeasement politics of the Congress and the SP. They also criticized the opposition for declining the invitation to the Ram Temple.
In response, the SP has been pushing for a caste census and alleging that the BJP’s quest for 400-plus seats in the Lok Sabha is driven by its intention to end the reservation system.
Several constituencies are witnessing intense three-way battles between the NDA, INDIA alliances, and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), while others are primarily two-way contests between the BJP and the SP.
In Sambhal, a Yadav stronghold, the SP has fielded Zia-ur-Rahman Barq, the grandson of the late veteran leader Shafiqur Rahaman Barq. The BJP’s candidate is Parmeshwar Lal Saini, while the BSP has nominated Chaudhary Shaulat Ali.
Hathras, a BJP bastion since 1991, sees the party fielding Anoop Valmiki against the SP’s Jasveer Valmiki and the BSP’s Hembabu Dhangar.
In Agra, a reserved seat, the BJP has repeated its sitting MP and Union Minister of State SP Baghel, while the SP has chosen Suresh Chandra Kardam, and the BSP has fielded Pooja Amrohi.
Fatehpur Sikri witnesses a contest between the BJP’s Raj Kumar Chahar, the Congress’ Ramnath Sikarwar, and the BSP’s Brahmin candidate Ram Niwas Sharma.
Firozabad is set for a showdown between the BJP’s Vishwadeep Singh, the SP’s Akshay Yadav, and the BSP’s Chaudhary Basheer.
Mainpuri, an SP bastion, sees Dimple Yadav taking on the BJP’s Jaiveer Singh and the BSP’s Dr. Gulshan Dev Shakya.
In Etah, the BJP has reposed faith in its sitting MP Rajveer Singh, while the SP has fielded Devesh Shakya, and the BSP has named Mohd Irfan.
Budaun marks the political debut of Aditya Yadav, son of Shivpal Yadav, as the SP candidate against the BJP’s Durvijay Shakya and the BSP’s Muslim Khan.
Aonla is a contest between the BJP’s Dharmendra Kashyap, the SP’s Neeraj Maurya, and the BSP’s Abid Ali.
In Bareilly, the BJP has replaced its eight-time MP Santosh Gangwar with Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar, who faces off against the SP’s Praveen Aron.
As the third phase of polling draws near, the Samajwadi Party faces a critical test in its traditional strongholds. The outcome of this phase will not only shape the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh but also have far-reaching implications for the national political scenario. With high stakes and intense battles on the horizon, all eyes are on the voters as they prepare to exercise their democratic right and determine the future course of their constituencies and the state at large.
