Steeped in political history and often referred to as the Oxford of the East, Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) is once again at the center of political discourse as the city will go to polls on May 25. Known for its rich legacy, the Allahabad Lok Sabha constituency presents a fascinating clash between tradition and fresh beginnings this election season.
Historically a Congress stronghold, the Allahabad constituency has produced prime ministers like Lal Bahadur Shastri and VP Singh, and notable representatives such as Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, Janeshwar Mishra, former Union minister Murli Manohar Joshi, and even Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan. From 1952 to 1984, the Congress dominated the seat, winning seven of the eight elections. However, the BJP has made significant inroads in recent years, securing victories in five of the last seven elections.
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“Prayagraj is not just an electoral battleground but a city with deep political roots. It was the political base for Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was elected Member of Parliament thrice from the Allahabad East and Phulpur constituencies. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the proponent of the iconic slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan', also traced his political journey back to Prayagraj. The city is the birthplace of India's first woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, and played a significant role in the lives of Rajiv Gandhi, Gulzarilal Nanda, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, and Chandrashekhar,” says Abhilash Narain, a senior Allahabad based journalist.
He said: “This time it is an interesting fight between BJP and INDIA alliance. BJP’s selection of candidate seems to have backfired. The BJP is relying too much on Modi and Yogi while the SP and the Congress cadre are working hard and could be seen on the ground.”
New faces and sons’ rise
This year's electoral battle in Allahabad features fresh faces as candidates of major political parties BJP, Congress and BSP are first timers in parliamentary election. The election will also see rise of sons. The BJP has decided to drop their sitting MP, Rita Bahuguna Joshi and fielded debutante Neeraj Tripathi, while the Congress is relying on Ujjwal Raman Singh, a former two-time SP MLA.
Both are sons of prominent political luminaries who are making their debut in the Parliamentary election. BJP candidate Neeraj Tripathi, a lawyer and former additional advocate general of UP. is the son of former West Bengal governor and ex-Speaker of the UP Assembly, Keshari Nath Tripathi. The 2024 Lok Sabha election marks his entry into active politics.
In contrast, the Congress has chosen Ujjwal Raman Singh, the son of senior SP leader Rewati Raman Singh. Ujjwal has served as an MLA from Karachhana and won elections in 2004 and 2017. This is his first Lok Sabha election. He joined the Congress in April 2024, with the blessing of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, just days before being announced as the party's candidate. This contest between Singh and Tripathi is a battle of legacies, with both candidates leveraging their fathers' political influence.
The BSP has fielded Ramesh Kumar Patel, a newcomer to electoral politics, as their candidate. Patel, a contractor and the state vice president of the All-India Kurmi Kshatriya Mahasabha, aims to secure the substantial Patel and backward caste votes in the region.
Rural domination and voter demographics
The Allahabad Parliamentary constituency comprises five assembly seats, with only one urban constituency, Allahabad South. The remaining four—Karachhana, Meja, Bara, and Koraon—are rural areas in the trans-Yamuna region.
Caste plays a significant role in the Allahabad constituency. Brahmin voters number around 500,000, while backward caste voters exceed 650,000. Among these, Patels (Kurmis) account for 300,000, Prajapati and Pals 121,000, Nishad/Mallahs 200,000, and Yadavs 40,000. Additionally, there are 100,000 Muslim voters, 15,000 Brahmin Bhumihars, 35,000 Thakur Bhumihars, 70,000 Srivastavas/Kayasthas, 150,000 Kols, and around 200,000 Musahar and Pasi voters, alongside 50,000 Banias and 45,000 from other communities.
Key issues
Voters are primarily concerned with employment generation and better support for farmers. The region, known for its potato production, seeks the reactivation of factories in the Naini industrial area and the establishment of new industries to prevent youth migration to states like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Rural voters are also demanding proper compensation for crop losses, support prices for uncovered crops, and protection from stray cattle. Additionally, the trans-Yamuna area, particularly Shankargarh and Koraon, suffers from severe water shortages.
“Prayagraj stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its political luminaries. Their footsteps echo through the corridors of power, shaping the nation's past, present, and future. The upcoming elections in Allahabad promise a compelling and fiercely contested battle between the established legacies and new faces vying to continue this historic tradition,” says Narain.
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