Jaya Bachchan, who has served as a Rajya Sabha member four times before, has once again been nominated by the Samajwadi Party for the upcoming election to the Upper House scheduled for Tuesday.
Despite Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's emphasis on PDA (pichre, Dalit, and alpasankhyak), there are murmurs of dissatisfaction among party leaders regarding Bachchan's nomination. The term PDA, coined by Yadav, signifies a focus on the backward, Dalit, and minority communities. However, Bachchan's repeated nomination raises questions about the party's adherence to this principle.
Nevertheless, several factors contribute to Bachchan's continued candidacy:
Firstly, Bachchan's close relationship with the Yadav family, particularly with the party's founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, is a significant factor. Mulayam Singh Yadav personally endorsed her candidacy in the past, highlighting their enduring bond.
Secondly, Bachchan's rapport with MP and Akhilesh Yadav's wife, Dimple Yadav, further solidifies her standing within the party. Her association with influential party figures like MP Ram Gopal Yadav also enhances her candidacy.
Moreover, as a woman, Bachchan ensures the support of women legislators, a demographic crucial in electoral dynamics. This aligns with the party's strategy to secure votes from diverse sections of society.
Bachchan's celebrity status and public prominence also play a role in her nomination, adding visibility and appeal to the party's electoral campaign.
Lastly, Bachchan's non-interference in the party's internal affairs is perceived as an advantage by senior leaders. She is seen as someone who upholds party principles without meddling in organizational matters.
However, despite these considerations, dissenting voices have emerged within the party, particularly from allies like Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) MLA Pallavi Patel. She has expressed reluctance to support Bachchan's candidacy, citing the divergence from the PDA agenda.
Javed Ansari highlighted that Bachchan's nomination contradicts Akhilesh Yadav's emphasis on PDA, raising questions about her contributions to the party's objectives.
In addition to Bachchan, the Samajwadi Party has nominated Dalit leader Ramji Lal Suman and former Uttar Pradesh chief secretary Alok Ranjan for the Rajya Sabha elections. The party aims to distribute 37 votes equally among the candidates to address concerns of preferential treatment.
While the Samajwadi Party expresses confidence in securing the necessary votes, concerns about potential cross-voting and external influences, particularly from the BJP, remain. The electoral outcome will determine whether Bachchan secures her fifth term as a Rajya Sabha member, as the party vies to secure three seats in the Upper House.
