AFTER JAT'S THE WAY, IT'S TIME TO WOO THE YADAVS

BJP must take SP seriously in Sambhal, Mainpuri, Budaun, Firozabad

- BISWAJEET BANERJEE

As the Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh progresses into the Phase 3, attention shifts from the Jat belt observed in the initial stages to the influential Yadav land. The phase encompasses 10 crucial constituencies, where the intricate Yadav-Muslim equations will be put to test.

The 10 constituencies are Sambhal, Hathras, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etah, Budaun, Aonla and Bareilly. These surpass the eight seats contested in the first two phases.

The BJP has historically maintained a dominant presence in UP’s electoral landscape, riding on the wave of Narendra Modi’s popularity. In 2014, the party secured victories in seven of the 10 seats, expanding its tally to eight in 2019. However, exceptions in their sweep include Sambhal and Mainpuri in 2019, and Mainpuri, Badaun, and Firozabad in 2014, all secured by the Samajwadi Party (SP).

The Phase 3 unfolds with the emergence of OBCs, prominently including Yadavs, Lodhs, and Kachhi/ Shakya/Murao communities, exerting influence as decisive factors in these constituencies. Alongside, the enduring impact of Muslim and Jat demographics remains significant in select areas.

Etah, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Badaun and Sambhal witness a significant Yadav presence, often aligning with Muslim constituents to form a formidable vote bank. Muslim voters also wield substantial influence in Sambhal, Bareilly, Aonla and Badaun, as well as in Etah, Mainpuri, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, and Firozabad, with proportions ranging from 5.7 to 12.6 per cent.