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The upcoming bypolls in Uttar Pradesh are witnessing a strategic battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP), with both parties targeting specific communities to secure victory. The BJP, in a calculated move, is focusing on garnering support from Dalit and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities to counter the SP's 'PDA' (Pasmanda, Dalit, Adivasi) formula.
In the Karhal assembly seat, which was vacated by SP president Akhilesh Yadav after his election from the Kannauj Lok Sabha constituency, the BJP has fielded Anujesh Yadav, a relative of Akhilesh Yadav. The decision to field a candidate with the surname 'Yadav' is a clear indication of the BJP's strategy to attract Yadav voters, a significant voting bloc in the region. Similarly, in the Katehri assembly seat in Ambedkar Nagar district, the BJP has fielded a 'Nishad' candidate, aiming to capitalize on the strength of the 'Nishad' community in the area. The SP, on the other hand, has fielded Shobhawati Verma, a 'Verma' (OBC) candidate, from this seat, where the strength of the 'Nishad' and 'Verma' voters is almost equal.
In Phulpur and Manjhwa assembly seats, the BJP has opted for OBC candidates, aiming to leverage the large OBC population in these constituencies. This strategy reflects the BJP's understanding of the importance of consolidating support from various communities to secure victory in the bypolls. The SP, meanwhile, has been campaigning on its 'PDA' formula, attempting to unite the Pasmanda (backward Muslims), Dalit, and Adivasi communities under its banner. The upcoming bypolls are expected to be closely contested, with both parties leaving no stone unturned in their bid to win over voters.
Source: UP bypolls: BJP bets on Dalit, OBC support to counter SP's 'PDA' formula