SP-RLD alliance may see splitting of votes in western UP

Vibha Sharma

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New Delhi, January 24

As the ruling BJP led by Home Minister Amit Shah woos the politically significant Jats in western Uttar Pradesh, the rival Samajwadi Party appears to be facing a rather piquant situation.

The SP is contesting the UP elections with Jayant Chowdhary-led Rashtriya Lok Dal and a host of caste-based parties. In western UP, the hotbed of farmers’ agitation against the now-repealed farm laws, the RLD is its key partner.

Observers believe while Muslim votes will “easily transfer” to RLD candidates, the same may not be possible for SP’s Muslim candidates. In other words, the Jat votes may get divided between the BJP and the RLD and SP candidates may have to bear the brunt.

However, SP leader Sudhir Panwar said, “Our alliance is three years long. Both SP and RLD leaders have utilised this experience in identification of issues and candidates for the poll.” Panwar, a star campaigner of his party, said, “The farmers’ stir has rekindled hope in different sections of society. The transfer of votes between SP and RLD candidates will not only be complete, but also smooth because of many factors. The first and foremost being historical as both parties draw their ideology from Chaudhary Charan Singh who formed alliances of MAJGAR, including farmer’ castes and Muslims. The farmers’ stir, in which both Jats and Muslims participated , not only cleared their differences but also provided them a common platform.” MAJGAR refers a caste combination of Muslim, Ahir (Yadav), Jat, Gujjar and Rajput, which suffered a major dent following the 2013-Muzaffarnagar violence.

Samajwadi nominees opt for RLD symbol

• Observers feel while Muslim votes will “easily transfer” to RLD, same is unlikely for SP candidates
• Jat votes may get divided between BJP and RLD
• Many SP leaders are contesting on RLD symbol due to this factor

SP list of 159

The SP released a list of 159 candidates for the UP poll, fielding party chief Akhilesh Yadav from Karhal in Mainpuri district, jailed leader Azam Khan from Rampur and re-nominating party MLA Nahid Hasan from Kairana