– Akhilesh Tripathi
Lucknow: The upcoming assembly by-election for Milkipur seat in Uttar Pradesh has turned into a high-stakes battle between BJP and SP. The contest is a critical juncture for both parties, reflecting deeper political and regional implications.
The BJP has deployed mammoth resources to secure victory. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has personally visited the constituency three times and is leading the charge. A team of six senior ministers, including Agriculture Minister Suryapratap Shahi and Water Resources Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, has been mobilised to ensure success.
BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Singh expressed confidence, stating, “The Chief Minister himself is managing this election, so there is no question of losing.”
The BJP’s aggressive campaign highlights its determination to reclaim Milkipur, a symbolic stronghold in Ayodhya’s political landscape.
The SP has fielded Ajit Prasad, son of Awadhesh Prasad, the sitting MLA who vacated Milkipur seat after his election as MP from Ayodhya in 2024. Awadhesh Prasad’s influence and accessibility have bolstered the SP’s campaign.
SP district president Paras Nath Yadav criticised the BJP’s heavy reliance on government resources, asserting, “We are contesting against the government, but the people of Milkipur are with us. We will fight with full determination and are confident of winning.”
The by-election was necessitated by Awadhesh Prasad’s victory in the Ayodhya Lok Sabha seat, where he defeated BJP’s Lallu Singh – a major setback for the BJP in a region deeply associated with its Hindutva agenda. Winning Milkipur is crucial for BJP to rebuild its image in Ayodhya and counter perceptions of waning influence.
The SP, supported by Congress in this election, aims to retain the seat and solidify its position. Meanwhile, BSP has chosen to stay out of the race, making BJP-SP rivalry more direct.
Milkipur’s electorate includes 3.5 lakh voters, with considerable representation from Pasi (55,000), Yadav (55,000), Brahmin (60,000), and Muslim (30,000) communities. The BJP has fielded Chandrabhanu Paswan, a Pasi candidate, to challenge Ajit Prasad and potentially split the Pasi vote. However, issues like unemployment, inflation, and poverty have created dissatisfaction among voters, posing challenges for BJP despite its aggressive campaign.
Voting is scheduled on February 5 and results on February 8.
SP President Akhilesh Yadav has raised concerns about potential election misconduct, citing previous instances of alleged irregularities. He urged party workers to remain vigilant and respond effectively if such incidents occur. This caution comes in the wake of accusations during recent by-elections in Uttar Pradesh, where administrative bias allegedly favoured BJP.
The Milkipur by-election has evolved into a prestige battle. For BJP, it represents an opportunity to restore dominance in Ayodhya and avenge its Lok Sabha loss. For SP, it is a chance to solidify its foothold and resist BJP’s resurgence. With stakes so high, the outcome of this election will resonate beyond Milkipur, shaping the political narrative as 2024 general elections approach.
