LUCKNOW: As campaigning for the first phase of assembly election came to a halt on Tuesday, political pundits said a battle of honour for many big wigs is rolling out gradually.
From Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeking a comeback to former CM Akhilesh Yadav toiling hard to regain his political might and BSP chief Mayawati for whom this election is being seen as one last chance to reaffirm that she is the dalit czarina, stakes are high for all.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is aiming to establish feet on new turf, while Priyanka Gandhi and Jayant Chaudhary have to prove themselves on UP’s political landscape.
“It is an election of prestige for key players, many of them being present and former CMs,” said a retired faculty member of political science at University of Lucknow.
Head of political science department at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University said, “CM Yogi Adityanath has decided to contest the election instead of taking the MLC route. Even though Gorakhpur is his karmbhoomi, the stakes are high.”
The outcome of this election will also shape Yogi's role in national politics, he added.
Political commentator, Dr Vinod Chandra said the elections are a make-or-break event for BSP chief Mayawati and SP president Akhilesh Yadav. “The election will decide the political weight and future of both the former CMs,” he stated.
The prestige of several CMs of other states is also at stake in this election, said another observer.
“Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal is trying to expand his canvas to UP and is campaigning. Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel has been very active and is working to keep his party’s flag high,” he added.
On Monday, former Madhya Pradesh CM Digvijay Singh and former Maharashtra CM Prithiviraj Chavan came to UP to campaign for Congress. On Tuesday, Trinamool Congress president and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged voters to vote for Samajwadi Party.
The prestige of Congress national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Jayant Chaudhury is also at stake.
“Both have to establish their political worth and stake claim on the legacy of their respective families,” said a former officer.
