48 hours in politics can be monumental—a lesson hard-learned by Tej Pratap, now replaced by Akhilesh Yadav in the Kannauj electoral fray. Akhilesh hinted at contesting from Kannauj by afternoon and by evening, the Samajwadi Party had altered another candidate slot.
Akhilesh responded to election queries stating that when nominations are filed, the news would be apparent, and it's possible you might know before the nominations.
Why is Akhilesh Yadav So Indecisive?
While Samajwadi Party denies confusion, it has surpassed others in frequently changing candidates. Significant queries arise amid these strategic switches.
The Samajwadi Party revised candidates twice in 4 seats, and once in 9 others–with recent spotlight on Kannauj. The abrupt decision by Akhilesh has everyone wondering, what transpired within those crucial 48 hours?
Details suggest a delegation from Kannauj convinced Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow that his candidacy could turn the tide. The local leadership indicated Tej Pratap's unfamiliarity to half of the constituency's voters, prompting Akhilesh's consent to run.
Just two days ago, Tej Pratap was declared the candidate from Kannauj. But, as the nomination deadline loomed, Akhilesh felt compelled to switch gears.
Why Akhilesh Yadav Chose to Step into the Kannauj Battle?
Since 1999 up until 2019, the Mulayam family held Kannauj's seat. Mulayam Singh Yadav first contested here in 1999 and was succeeded by Akhilesh for three terms. In 2014, Dimple Yadav retained the seat despite a 'Modi wave,’ yet in 2019, Subrat Pathak breached this bastion, defeating Dimple.
The electoral dynamics in Kannauj—a Samajwadi Party fortress—is now altered as BJP holds sway in 4 out of 5 legislative assemblies. The constituency contains significant percentages of Muslims, Yadavs, Brahmins, and Rajputs—with Dalits as a considerable other. Akhilesh's entry is sure to energize the party ranks, but the battle for Kannauj is far from straight-forward for him.
