At least that is how Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav portray the alliance as they begin joint campaigning
The chemistry was palpable. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi offered chewing gum to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who reciprocated with chocolates. Before the first joint road show of the Samajwadi PartyCongress alliance in Uttar Pradesh, on January 29, both leaders tried to impress upon the voters that this was not an “opportunistic alliance”, but a “pact of hearts”. They launched a theme song with the line—UP ko yeh saath pasand hai (UP likes this togetherness) and posters showing them together sprang up at various places.
Both leaders seem confident of winning the assembly elections—starting on February 11— forming government and stopping the march of “communal forces”. Said Rahul: “The alliance is historic. At present, we have spoken about 2017; the pact for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is not yet certain, but all options are open.”
“Rahul and I are two wheels of a bicycle,” said Akhilesh. “We have met on many occasions, like during Lok Sabha sessions and in other functions. Now, we have the chance to work together and, once he joins us, our work will pick up pace.”
“The alliance is historic. The pact for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is not certain, but all options are open,” said Rahul.
Rahul and Akhilesh seem keen to forget an acerbic past and come together to stop Modi from winning in Uttar Pradesh.
The duo seems to have already struck a chord with the Muslims, who form 19 per cent of the state’s population.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Themes Of Choice
As Savvy Investors Seek New Avenues, Thematic Mutual Funds Are Gaining Popularity
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict