As the BJP enjoyed historic wins in Rampur and Azamgarh in the 2022 bypolls, the party is setting its sights on Mainpuri. This seat has been long held by the Samajwadi Party, and the BJP has never won it before. But with the recent passing of Mulayam Singh Yadav and his daughter-in-law Dimple Yadav's victory in the by-poll, the BJP sees an opportunity to make a play for Mainpuri. In fact, BJP leader Amit A Shah has promised to give more responsibilities to BJP candidate Jaiveer Singh if he wins the upcoming election.
Mainpuri: The Battleground for BJP and Samajwadi Party in the 2022 Bypolls
Mainpuri, a parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh, has become the latest battleground in the ongoing political tussle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP). The seat has been a stronghold of the SP for decades, but the BJP is hoping to change this scenario in the upcoming bypolls.
Background
The Mainpuri seat was represented by the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, founder and former leader of the SP. After his passing earlier this year, a by-election was necessitated to fill the vacancy. The SP fielded Mulayam's daughter-in-law, Dimple Yadav, as its candidate, while the BJP nominated Jaiveer Singh.
BJP's Ambitions
The BJP has never won the Mainpuri seat, but it sees this bypoll as an opportunity to break the SP's hold on the constituency. The party's hopes are buoyed by its recent historic victories in the Rampur and Azamgarh bypolls.
SP's Counter-Offensive
The SP is determined to retain the Mainpuri seat, which it has held since 1996. Dimple Yadav, who is also the sitting MP from Kannauj, is leading the party's campaign and has been drawing large crowds at her rallies.
Key Points to Note
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: Why is the BJP so keen on winning Mainpuri?
A1: The BJP aims to break the SP's stronghold in Mainpuri and expand its influence in the region.
Q2: What are the main issues of the Mainpuri bypoll?
A2: The key issues include unemployment, inflation, and the legacy of Mulayam Singh Yadav.
Q3: Who are the key candidates in the Mainpuri bypoll?
A3: Dimple Yadav (SP) and Jaiveer Singh (BJP) are the main candidates.
Q4: What are the BJP's chances of winning Mainpuri?
A4: The BJP has strong organizational machinery and has been making significant gains in Uttar Pradesh. However, the SP has a strong emotional connect with the voters.
Q5: What impact will the Mainpuri bypoll have on UP politics?
A5: The outcome of the bypoll could influence the political dynamics of the state ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was fatally shot outside his son's office in Mumbai on Saturday evening. Two suspects have been detained and the case has been handed over to the crime branch. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has promised to ensure the arrest of all those involved, while the Opposition has condemned the state's "deteriorating" law and order situation, blaming the government for supporting criminals.
A meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee discussing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill turned chaotic when Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee broke a glass bottle in response to an objection from a BJP MP. Banerjee has been suspended from the meeting for his behavior and opposition members walked out in protest. This is not the first instance of heated arguments over the contentious bill, leading to tension between ruling and opposition members.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, grandson of legendary politician Kalaignar, sticks to his statement comparing Sanatan Dharma to dengue and malaria. He defends it as a call to address the mistreatment of women in the Hindu religion and echoes the views of prominent Dravidian leaders. Despite facing protests and legal action, he refuses to apologize, stating he stands by his words.
In a surprising turn of events, a man accused of shouting anti-India slogans was granted bail by the Madhya Pradesh High Court on the condition that he salute the Indian flag 21 times a month, while also shouting "Bharat Mata ki Jai." This decision by the court has sparked debate and raised questions about the use of such unusual bail conditions in cases of sedition. Some are praising the court's decision, while others are concerned about potential infringement on the accused's rights. This case highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding issues of free speech and nationalism in India.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has sparked a debate over population control laws by encouraging state residents to consider having more children. This comes after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu recently proposed incentives for families to have more children, citing concerns over an ageing population and reduced political influence. The remark by Stalin has also raised questions about the delimitation process and its potential impact on southern states.
A court in Bareilly, India has sentenced five individuals, including the father and relatives of a 19-year-old woman, to life imprisonment for her murder after she resisted an arranged marriage. The woman was forced into the marriage against her will and tensions escalated between her and her in-laws leading to her father and his relatives pouring acid on her, resulting in her death. The case highlights ongoing issues of gender discrimination and violence against women in India, as well as disparities in education and resources between rural and urban areas.
Indigenous Australian senator Lidia Thorpe caused a stir on Monday when she harshly heckled King Charles during his visit to the Australian Parliament House in Canberra. As she was escorted out of the chamber, Thorpe continued to shout anti-colonial slogans, demanding the return of land that was taken from her people. The confrontation was captured on video and quickly went viral, causing shock and outrage among lawmakers and other dignitaries present.
Chief Ministers Chandrababu Naidu and MK Stalin are urging families in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to have more children, citing concerns about ageing population and potential loss of Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming delimitation process. While Naidu has even proposed legislation to incentivize larger families, Stalin has jokingly suggested aiming for 16 children for prosperity, highlighting the impact this population growth could have on the political landscape in India. Meanwhile, a recent government report predicts a significant rise in the number of elderly citizens in the country, particularly in the southern states.
At a mass marriage event in Chennai, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin referenced a Tamil adage and expressed concern over the impact of the Lok Sabha delimitation exercise on family planning. He urged couples to continue giving Tamil names to their children and reminded them that the traditional saying about acquiring 16 types of wealth does not refer to having 16 children. This comes just days after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu controversially advocated for women to have more children to stabilize the population in his state.
Lidia Thorpe, a prominent Indigenous activist and independent senator, made headlines for her controversial protest during King Charles III's visit to Australia. Shouting for a treaty and the return of stolen Aboriginal remains, Thorpe's outburst in the Australian parliament shed light on ongoing issues of colonization. Despite facing backlash, Thorpe remains dedicated to her stance on formal recognition and commitment to addressing systemic injustices towards Indigenous peoples.