The Congress is emphasizing the candidacy of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, representing 12% of the Uttar Pradesh population, a significant voter bloc. However, the Shiv Sena (UBT) seems agreeable to conceding the Kolhapur seat for Shahu Maharaj, albeit with a condition that he runs under their party's emblem.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra, facing challenges in seat-sharing discussions, has witnessed discontent among Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena members. As the Congress advocates for Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj's candidacy in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, negotiations continue within the alliance.
Akhilesh Yadav's emphasis on PDA (Pichda, Dalit, and Alpasankhyak) and criticisms of Ramcharitmanas by Samajwadi Party members may have repercussions, particularly among upper-caste leaders. The emphasis on PDA signifies a strategic approach by Akhilesh Yadav towards backward, Dalit, and minority communities, an endeavor deemed significant by the Samajwadi Party chief.
The recent Rajya Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh witnessed seven SP legislators cross-voting for the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), indicating potential rifts within the party. This scenario underscores the significance of Akhilesh Yadav's PDA strategy as a litmus test for the Samajwadi Party's electoral prospects in 2024.
The departure of several SP legislators, including Brahmin and Thakur community members, underscores a potential alienation of upper-caste leaders from the party. The Brahmin and Thakur communities collectively constitute around 18%-20% of Uttar Pradesh's population and have traditionally wielded significant political influence.
Swami Prasad Maurya's controversial remarks on Ramcharitmanas further exacerbated tensions within the Samajwadi Party, prompting criticism from both internal and external quarters. The exit of key legislators, including Manoj Pandey and Rakesh Pratap Singh, could potentially impact the electoral dynamics in Rae Bareli and Amethi, strongholds of the Congress party.
Amidst these developments, the BJP has strategically endeavored to consolidate support from Brahmin voters through targeted outreach initiatives and key appointments in various states. The BJP's concerted efforts to address the grievances of Brahmin voters underscore its recognition of the community's significance in electoral politics.
As the Samajwadi Party grapples with internal challenges and potential alienation of upper-caste leaders, the BJP's focused approach towards Brahmin voters may pose electoral challenges for the former in the upcoming polls.
