Amidst rumours of discord between Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party (SP)—the primary Opposition party in Uttar Pradesh—and long-time ally, the RLD (Rashtriya Lok Dal), the party is currently focused on resolving its internal conflicts. The SP chief has been holding meetings with party workers regarding party matters. Akhilesh has also been giving special attention to his uncle and the general secretary of the Samajwadi Party, Shivpal Singh Yadav.
There were speculations about Shivpal Yadav being appointed as the general secretary of the party and that he might contest elections from Azamgarh. Now, there is talk in political circles that not only Shivpal but his other associates might get a chance in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This means those loyal to Shivpal within the SP may also be given tickets. Notably, while Shivpal Yadav joined the SP ahead of the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections, none of his associates or party workers from his Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohiya) or the PSP-L, were given an opportunity to contest the elections. Shivpal himself had to contest on an SP ticket. This resulted in a rebellion of several PSP-L party workers and close associates who contested the elections against the SP by joining other parties or as independent candidates, shattering any hopes for the uncle-nephew duo to enter the Assembly together. Learning from last year’s defeat, Akhilesh will not want to take any risks in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. While this might be why Shivpal Yadav is receiving special attention, other alliance partners, however, are not.
Shivpal was recently seen on stage during a meeting presided over by the SP chief. However, alliance partner and RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary was neither present nor discussed. It is evident that Akhilesh is giving greater importance to members of his own party ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
Recently Chaudhary took to Twitter to post the following: “Khichdi, Pulao, Biryani Eat what you like!” The RLD chief followed this up with a tweet that read: “By the way, if you want to eat rice, then eat kheer!” Political analysts have interpreted this in various ways, but it seems like Jayant Chaudhary is cooking up something which will be revealed in the coming months.
Experts also believe that both Akhilesh and Shivpal Yadav have realised that parting ways will not bring benefit them in any way. This is why the two are leaving their past disagreements behind and are making joint preparations for the polls. However, the question remains whether the duo will be able to pose a challenge to the BJP, as no political party in Uttar Pradesh seems to be a threat to the ruling party without an alliance.
