UP Bypolls 2024: Akhilesh to Favour Family Members, Relatives of MPs for 10 Assembly Seats

As Uttar Pradesh gears up for by-elections on 10 assembly seats, the Samajwadi Party (SP) appears to be focusing on family connections for its candidate selection. The party is preparing a mix of first and second-line leaders to ensure stability and continuity in its political strategy. Sources revealed that SP is signaling its intent to field relatives of current MPs for several seats. Ajit Prasad, son of Milkipur MP Awadhesh Prasad, and Chhaya Verma, daughter of Katehari MP Lalji Verma, are among those expected to be given the green light.

Former MP Tej Pratap Singh Yadav is likely to be the party’s candidate from Karhal, while a family member of Irfan Solanki is anticipated to contest from Sisamau. Additionally, former MLA Haji Rizwan and former MP Qadir Rana are potential candidates for Kundarki and Meerapur, respectively.

Negotiations continue for the remaining four seats, with two possibly being allocated to Congress under the India Alliance. The list of candidates suggests that the SP is strategically positioning second-generation leaders to take the helm in districts where first-generation members have moved to national roles.

To strengthen its position, the Samajwadi Party is conducting surveys and research across these constituencies. The party aims to finalise its candidate list before the official announcement of the by-elections. SP analyst Deepak Mishra anticipates a close contest between the India Alliance and NDA Alliance, adding to the significance of the by-elections.

Following a strong showing in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the SP is eager to demonstrate its performance in this upcoming political test. The success of the new generation of leaders will be crucial for the party’s future.