The political battleground of Saharanpur in western Uttar Pradesh is gearing up for a closely contested electoral race among prominent faces such as Congress's Imran Masood, BJP's Raghav Lakhanpal, and BSP's strategic candidate Majid Ali.
The constituency, historically significant for its woodwork and agricultural prominence, has witnessed political controversies and shifting alliances over the years. In the 2014 Parliamentary elections, BJP's Raghav Lakhanpal secured victory, defeating Congress's Imran Masood. However, subsequent elections saw changes in alliances and voting patterns, with the SP-Congress alliance winning three assembly seats in 2017, and BSP's Haji Fazlur Rehman clinching victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Ahead of the 2022 Assembly polls, political dynamics shifted again, with the BJP reclaiming its ground by winning three seats. Imran Masood's political journey saw him switching parties, moving from Congress to SP and then to BSP, before returning to Congress in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
As Saharanpur braces for the polls on April 19, key issues such as lack of development, agricultural concerns, and unemployment remain at the forefront. The demographics, with a significant Muslim and Dalit population, play a crucial role, making it a highly competitive constituency.
Both Raghav Lakhanpal and Imran Masood express confidence in their respective prospects, with the BJP highlighting its growing acceptance within the minority community and the Congress banking on broad-ranging support, particularly from Dalit and farming communities.
The entry of BSP's Majid Ali adds a strategic dimension to the electoral equation, aiming to consolidate the Muslim and Dalit vote bank. With campaigning gaining momentum, Saharanpur is poised for an engaging electoral battle, reflecting the complex political landscape of western Uttar Pradesh.
