Akhilesh Yadav grapples with Mulayam's legacy in the Yadav belt

Akhilesh Yadav

In the absence of Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav faces the daunting task of steering the Yadav clan and the Samajwadi Party towards victory as the third phase, often referred to as the Mulayam belt, readies itself for polling.

Notably, this marks the first Lok Sabha election for the Samajwadi Party without its founder, Mulayam Singh Yadav, who passed away in October 2022.

Political analyst Rajendra Kumar emphasizes Mulayam Singh Yadav's significant role, known affectionately as 'dharti putra' and 'Netaji' by his followers for his unparalleled ability to resonate with the masses.

“With his absence, the Yadav clan must unite to stand a chance against the formidable electoral machinery of the BJP. Mulayam had a charm which was reflected in the election campaign when he used to communicate with people. People would be missing that charm,” he said.

Kumar further said: "With Mulayam Singh Yadav no longer present, this election will serve as a litmus test for Akhilesh's leadership and political future. All the five members of the family are contesting election and the result would not only define the political future of Akhilesh, but also of Samajwadi Party.”

In the 2019 elections, the SP, in alliance with the BSP, managed to secure only five seats.

Traditionally aligned with Mulayam Singh Yadav, people of the constituencies such as Etawah, Mainpuri, Kannauj, Firozabad, and Budaun have proudly claimed themselves as being part of the 'Dharti Putra' family. Notably, Kannauj has been a stronghold for the SP, having secured victory seven times, except in 2019 when Dimple Yadav, Akhilesh's wife, faced defeat at the hands of BJP's Subrat Pathak. Akhilesh Yadav, now contesting from Kannauj, and he aims to reverse his wife's loss.

“All eyes are now on Akhilesh Yadav, tasked with not only preventing a repeat of the SP's decimation in 2019 but also ensuring a respectable outcome for the alliance in the state. His immediate challenge lies in maintaining familial cohesion amidst the complexities of electoral politics,” Manoj Bhadra, a senior journalist said.

The candidacy of Aditya Yadav, son of Mulayam's brother Shivpal Yadav, from Budaun is seen as a crucial indicator of reconciliation within the family. Previously at odds with Akhilesh, Shivpal Yadav has embarked on an extensive campaign, expressing confidence in retaining the Budaun seat.

In addition to Akhilesh and Dimple Yadav, Akhilesh's cousins, Akshay Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav, are contesting from Firozabad and Azamgarh, respectively. Akshay Yadav, son of Ram Gopal Yadav, a staunch supporter of Akhilesh during the family feud, aims to reclaim the Firozabad seat held by the SP from 1999 to 2009.

Dharmendra Yadav, son of Abhay Ram Yadav, seeks to regain the Azamgarh seat lost in the 2022 bypoll. Despite challenges, Akhilesh Yadav has emphasized the 'PDA' formula, focusing on the backward, Dalit, and minority communities. However, the SP's alliance with Congress faces hurdles in regaining lost ground.

Akhilesh’s political acumen would be put to test in Mainpuri, which seat BJP had never won. The BJP is banking on the support of the non-Yadav OBCs and hopes to rope in a majority of the votes of the Shakya community. The party has fielded Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh to target that caste base.

Disrespect of Lodh leader and former UP chief minister Kalyan Singh also finds resonance in Mainpuri among the Lodh community. The BJP leaders are telling the voters in Lodh-dominated villages that when Babuji (Kaylan Singh) died, Akhilesh did not go to his house to pay tribute, but when a mafia, Mukhtar Ansari, died, he and the SP leaders visited Ghazipur

“This campaign is getting traction in that belt and is sure to hit that PDA campaign of Akhilesh as the majority of Pichchra other than Yadav in that constituency are ready to go with BJP,” says Virendra Nath Bhatt who is travelling in that area.

SP leaders remain optimistic, with Ramji Lal Suman, SP national general secretary, asserting, "The BJP's inability to comprehend the 'PDA' factor will lead to the failure of their conventional strategies."