The mighty elephant, heavily ornamented, is ready to march; the cycle has been repaired and oiled; the lotus has begun flourishing, and the hand seems all set for action.
Welcome to the 2017 assembly elections of the most populous Indian state, U.P!
Election drum has been struck, and promises are omnipresent in the air. The scenario becomes more interesting with every floor crossing.
BJP (Bhartiya Janata Party)
Although the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate is yet to be announced, the election campaign is on a spree. PM Modi’s speech in Bhojpuri was on point (he has got some real swag). He said that this election is about the development of the state and the nation, and appealed to people not to vote for parties that are only about castes (haha! sure). Being a brahminical-Hindutva ideology party, BJP’s main focus is on the non-Jadav Dalit votes and the non-Jadav backward caste votes. Although, this time promises have also been made for the representation of Dalits and other backward castes.
By naming Keshav Prasad Maurya as its State unit president, BJP has paved a way for castes such as Maurya, Murav and Kachhi into its election scheme.
BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party)
BSP’s CM candidate is, of course, Mayawati herself. BSP has a full proof plan of falling back on the dalit-bhramin concord. Besides, they are trying to form a Muslim-Dalit alliance. BSP is trying to expand from “Bahujan Hitay, Bahujan Sukhay” to “Sarvjan Hitay, Sarvjan Sukhay” (now that is some expansion :p).
SP (Samajwadi Party)
SP’s backbone has been the Muslim-Yadav support. But unfortunately, the Muslims don’t seem that happy with the party this time. SP is still adamant on the demand for U.P public service (reservation for SC, ST, and OBCs) Act (we all know why :)). SP’s drills to lure brahmin voters have also been on point.
INC (Congress)
Shiela Dixit is the Congress CM candidate for U.P. The Congress has come up with the slogan “27 saal, u.p behaal” (much concern 🙂 ). Senior leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Raj Babbar, along with Shiela Dixit will lead the campaign.
SO, cast your vote, vote your caste (or maybe not )!