UP Lok Sabha polls 2024: With an emotional appeal in Kaiserganj, Brij Bhushan leads son's campaign

The campaign landscape is relatively subdued, with Brij Bhushan's personal narrative dominating small gatherings. (Courtesy: X | @b_bhushansharan)

In a heartfelt campaign in Kaiserganj, Brij Bhushan is urging voters to support his son, Karan Bhushan, in his bid for Parliament. Despite not being on the ballot himself due to allegations of sexual harassment, Brij Bhushan has taken the reins of his son's campaign, emphasizing Karan's youth and potential, rather than relying solely on the broader Modi-Yogi narrative.

Public discussion about the sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan, which led to his ticket being canceled, is notably absent. Instead, the focus is on Karan Bhushan, who has secured the BJP ticket, with many seeing Brij Bhushan as the primary force behind his son's campaign. Demonstrating his dedication, Brij Bhushan had already conducted 165 meetings by the time Karan's ticket was confirmed.

"I have been tormented. False allegations are leveled against me. I will demolish all of them because a chargesheet has been filed now. I built the Wrestling Federation. I ensured that our boys and girls win medals at the international level, still I was criticized by the same people who benefited from my advice," Brij Bhushan says in almost all his meetings, highlighting how he has been persecuted.

Kaiserganj is unique among Uttar Pradesh constituencies, with only four candidates in the race. Besides Karan Bhushan, the candidates include SP's Bhagatram Mishra, BSP's Narendra Pandey, and independent Arunima Pandey. The campaign landscape is relatively subdued, with Brij Bhushan's personal narrative dominating small gatherings and overshadowing other candidates.

The Brahmin vote, comprising 32% of the general population, is a significant focus for both BSP and SP. Narendra Pandey, a transporter from Lucknow, represents BSP, while SP fields Bhagatram Mishra. Brij Bhushan is also making emotional appeals to sway the 25% Muslim vote from SP to BJP, although many Dalit voters seem to be drifting away from BSP this election cycle.

In the busy Balpur market, amid the usual hustle, an elderly gentleman summed up the prevailing sentiment: "Elections? Who's left to contest? The field is clear now." The delayed ticket distribution by the BJP has impacted public perception, though discussions about stray animals and infrastructure often give way to broader issues like law and order and the construction of the Ram temple.

The Katrabazar assembly constituency, a crucial part of Kaiserganj, has been a BJP stronghold, with Bawan Singh serving as MLA for three consecutive terms. Local opinions reveal mixed feelings about government schemes like free rations and concerns over employment opportunities.

Since 2014, the BJP has dominated in Kaiserganj, but the delayed ticket allocation raises questions about potential shifts in the political landscape. Local resident Siyaram reflects on BJP's preparedness compared to the fragmented opposition from SP and BSP.

In Colonelganj, voters from various communities show a unified sentiment, influenced by the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the abrogation of Article 370. Political analysts foresee a tough battle, focusing on the margin of victory rather than the outcome itself. Senior journalist Rana Pratap Singh views this election as a crucial fight for BJP's survival, benefiting from Brahmin candidates from both SP and BSP.

For Brij Bhushan, this election is a personal challenge. Despite controversies and the ticket cancellation, he seeks redemption by securing a significant victory for his son. The wrestling controversy, intertwined with Brij Bhushan, remains a topic of discussion, with Brij Bhushan portraying the election as a battle for truth and survival. He highlights past conflicts, such as those involving Narsingh Yadav, positioning himself as a champion for the weak. Although not a candidate this time, Brij Bhushan frames the election as a continuation of his struggles, rallying support for Karan's candidacy.