Akhilesh’s daunting challenge: To keep flock together

Lucknow: The ambitious alliance that Akhilesh Yadav cobbled together by stitching small caste-based parties ahead of the 2022 UP assembly polls is beginning to unravel. The Mahan Dal of Keshav Dev Maurya has announced to snap ties with the SP-led alliance. At the same time, the displeasure of PSPL Chief Shivpal Singh Yadav and SBSP Chief Omprakash Rajbhar is increasing gradually.

Notably, late last year Akhilesh Yadav entered into a tie-up with seven parties -- the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Mahan Dal, Janwadi Party (Socialist), Apna Dal faction led by Krishna Patel, Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), Shivpal Yadav’s Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (PSPL) and Gondwana Gantantra Party. This coalition based on caste calculation proved unsuccessful in achieving electoral victory, since then the signs of disintegration started reflecting in this alliance. The dissatisfaction of the Janwadi Party leader Sanjay Chauhan during the ticket distribution had exposed the weaknesses of the alliance. Post-assembly election results, Mahan Dal Chief Keshav Dev Maurya started making scathing statements targeting BJP turncoat Swami Prasad Maurya. Keshav Dev was upset that he was not given adequate seats and his party was ignored in comparison to other allies.

Akhilesh’s estranged uncle and PSPL chief Shivpal Yadav has blamed the SP’s organizational structure for the poll debacle. On several occasions, he has indicated to leave the alliance and choose a different path. In fact, the row erupted in the coalition camp after Akhilesh Yadav’s decision to quit the post of MP and retain the post of Karhal MLA. Azam Khan and Shivpal Yadav, who were eyeing the post of Leader of Opposition, were quite dissatisfied with this decision.

Although Azam ’s displeasure has faded since his supporters were adjusted in the Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha by-elections and MLC elections, Shivpal Singh Yadav’s anger remains intact.