UP Lok Sabha by Election:
Speculation was rife in the Uttar Pradesh bye-elections that the Samajwadi Party (SP) might field a Dalit face, yet it appears the choice may fall within the Mulayam family. Earlier, Sushil Anand was considered a potential SP frontrunner from Azamgarh. Now, Dimple Yadav or Dharmendra Yadav are the likely bets for the party.
Dimple Yadav, former MP and wife of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, may hold the edge as the candidate from Azamgarh. With the deadline for nominations set for Monday, 6th June, the Samajwadi Party has yet to make an official announcement. However, the conversations suggest Dimple Yadav or Dharmendra Yadav might file nominations.
SP Considers Betting on Dimple Yadav
In the current parliamentary bye-election, SP is inclined towards nominating either Dimple Yadav or Dharmendra Yadav. Dimple Yadav suffered a loss in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections representing the Kannauj constituency. There were rumors of her being nominated for the Rajya Sabha elections in 2022, but SP ultimately backed RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary. Now, Dimple is being considered for the by-election in Azamgarh, while Dharmendra Yadav, who lost the 2019 election from the Badaun constituency, remains a hot topic of discussion.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Bets on Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua'
Despite earlier rumors that SP would employ the Dalit card in Azamgarh, opposition from the party's local leaders and the district unit influenced Akhilesh Yadav to alter his decision. Meanwhile, for the bye-election, BJP has nominated Bhojpuri star Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua' for Azamgarh, who also contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections but was defeated. Ghanshyam Lodhi will represent BJP in the Rampur seat.
Note that the Azamgarh seat became vacant following the resignation of Akhilesh Yadav, while the Rampur seat was vacated by Azam Khan. SP has had a strong hold in Azamgarh and is banking on the Yadav vote bank, which is sizable in the region. A loss for SP in Azamgarh could likely impact the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Azamgarh is also where Mulayam Singh Yadav has served as the Member of Parliament.
Sushil Anand Speculated as Earlier SP Choice
Initially, Sushil Anand, son of the founder member of BAMCEF, Balihari Babu, was speculated to be SP's candidate for the Lok Sabha bye-election from Azamgarh, sparking discussions that Akhilesh Yadav was making a significant move with the Dalit vote. However, this decision was since changed. Balihari Babu had a long association with BAMCEF and later with the BSP, but regrettably passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic.
