Lucknow Diary: Rahul and PM Modi will visit Uttar Pradesh to announce vote results

With all of the elite political figures visiting the vitally pivotal state in the Hindi heartland, Uttar Pradesh is already in election gear.

There will be political fireworks this week as both Congressman Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are scheduled to sound the state’s vote horn on Monday, February 19. Additionally, in an attempt to make up for political setbacks on February 19 or 20, SP head Akhilesh Yadav—who was recently abandoned by one of its most devoted allies, RLD—is anticipated to participate in the Congress party’s “Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.” Gandhi will be in Amethi, while PM Modi would be laying the foundation stone of projects.

Akhilesh Yadav attempts a gentle Hindutva.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is trying to appease the sanatanis in Uttar Pradesh by using soft Hindutva. He performed puja of a “Shaligram shila” brought from Nepal, from which a “shivling” will be carved and installed in a temple at Etawah that is being built by the SP. Yadav, accompanied by MP wife Dimple and other senior leaders, are already facing criticism from various sections of the majority community for turning down invitations for Pran Pratishthha and darshan of Ram Lalla. The puja was held in full media light at the SP headquarters in Lucknow, which was high on optics.

Samajwadi Party disapproval is evident

After being shocked by RLD’s abandonment, the Samajwadi Party is expected to hear more disapproving opinions from partners who had united under its banner for the 2022 Assembly elections. Party MLC Swami Prasad Maurya resigned from her position as general secretary, citing discriminatory practices and a demeaning demeanor from party leaders. Meanwhile, Pallavi Patel, the leader of Apna Dal (K), who had defeated BJP leader Keshav Maurya to win the Sirathu Assembly segment on the SP symbol, declared she would not support SP candidates. Patel’s choice was brought about by the SP leadership’s inability to include the PDA’s mark on the RS election tickets.