Socialist Party head Akhilesh Yadav has submitted his nomination for Kannauj, known as 'the city of perfumes' for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. His wife Dimple Yadav, uncle Shivpal, and Ramgopal, along with numerous party dignitaries, were present during the nomination. The party had previously announced Akhilesh's nephew Tej Pratap Yadav, former MP from Mainpuri, as the candidate for this seat.
Kannauj's race has heated up in Uttar Pradesh. BJP has again fielded current MP Subrat Pathak, who defeated Akhilesh's wife Dimple in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.
Akhilesh Speaks Post-Nomination
After the nomination, Akhilesh expressed a resolve to drive Kannauj forward. He lamented the stunted growth of Kannauj's commerce, locally and internationally, blaming the BJP for halting progress in what was once a Socialist stronghold.
He criticized BJP for repeatedly humiliating the people of Kannauj, who have witnessed development firsthand. He recalled the legacy of Dr. Lohia and promised to work towards Kannauj's development and elevate its status further.
He credited his party for the infrastructure advancements in electricity, bridges over rivers, and an airstrip that was only used once, highlighting BJP's negativity. He emphasized the completion of an eight-lane bridge over the Ganges initiated by SP and expressed concern over an unfinished market, a detriment to local farmers.
Akhilesh commenced his political journey in Kannauj
Akhilesh has previously served as an MP from Kannauj before becoming Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister in 2012, starting his political journey in 2000 after his father Mulayam Singh's resignation.
As Akhilesh enters the fray in Kannauj, will Rahul Gandhi turn to Amethi or Raebareli too?
Dimple Yadav too has been MP twice
When Akhilesh became the head of the state in 2012, Dimple started her political tenure through a by-election in Kannauj, holding her seat through the 2014 Modi wave. However, 2019 brought a setback, with the SP stronghold slipping from their grasp despite an alliance, as local BJP leader Subrat Pathak secured a win. Now with Akhilesh's reentry, a close contest is anticipated between BJP and SP in Kannauj for 2024.
