Rare political alliance: When Uttar Pradesh's Etah witnessed an unlikely bond

File photo used for representation

Etah, renowned for its historical significance with luminaries like Amir Khusro and Tulsidas, recently bore witness to an unusual camaraderie between two erstwhile adversaries, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Kalyan Singh. Their alliance, once pivotal in shaping the political landscape of Etah, has faded into history, leaving behind a legacy defined by shifting alliances and entrenched caste dynamics.

Kalyan Singh, the iconic figure of the Ram Janambhoomi movement, found an unexpected ally in Mulayam Singh Yadav, called Maulana Mulayam, during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections in Etah. Contesting as an independent after parting ways with the BJP, Kalyan Singh secured a landslide victory, thanks in part to the support extended by Mulayam Singh Yadav. However, with the conclusion of the elections, their friendship waned, reflecting the transient nature of political alliances in the region.

Etah's political narrative is intricately woven with caste considerations, where alliances are forged and broken based on intricate caste permutations. The Lodh community, constituting approximately 16% of the electorate, remains steadfast in its allegiance to the legacy of Kalyan Singh, ensuring the electoral success of his son, Rajveer Singh alias Raju Bhaiya, who clinched victory in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections and now seeks a third term.

Conversely, the Yadav community, comprising 14% of the electorate, traditionally aligns with the Samajwadi Party, although the BJP has recently tried to make inroads among Yadav voters. The recent defection of Kunwar Devendra Yadav, a staunch SP loyalist, to the BJP has added a new dimension to the electoral dynamics in Etah.

With Yadavs and Lodhs evenly matched in numerical strength, the pivotal role lies with the Shakya voters, constituting approximately 8% of the electorate. The exit of Devendra Singh Yadav to the BJP prompted SP chief Akhilesh Yadav to pin his hopes on Devesh Shakya, a prominent figure within the Shakya community, renowned for his electoral prowess.

Akhilesh Yadav, in a bid to consolidate support, has intensified efforts to court Jatav voters, comprising 12% of the electorate. At a recent rally, he launched a scathing attack on the BJP and RSS, accusing them of harboring intentions to alter the Constitution and urged voters to view the upcoming elections as a watershed moment with far-reaching implications for future generations.

Meanwhile, the Bahujan Samaj Party has fielded a Muslim candidate, Mohd Irfan, banking on the support of the 9% Muslim electorate. Irfan's candidacy threatens to disrupt Akhilesh Yadav's PDA formula, although the extent of its impact remains uncertain.

Kalyan’s legacy:

The enduring legacy of Kalyan Singh continues to exert a formidable influence in this Lodh-dominated constituency. The popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Yogi Adityanath, coupled with tangible improvements in law and order, have bolstered the BJP's prospects, potentially dampening the anti-incumbency sentiment faced by sitting MP Rajveer Singh alias Raju Bhaiya.

BJP leaders in their meetings invoke the legacy of Kalyan Singh, which will surely be put to test on May 7.

Candidates:

Devesh Shakya (SP), Rajveer Singh (BJP), Mohammad Irfan (BSP)