Lucknow, February 3 (PTI) – The high-pitched campaigning for the bypoll in the Milkipur assembly constituency of Ayodhya district concluded at 5 PM on Monday, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) making last-minute appeals to voters.
A total of ten candidates are contesting in the February 5 bypoll, but with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) opting out and the Congress backing its ally, SP, the main battle is set between SP’s Ajit Prasad and BJP’s Chandrabhanu Paswan. The Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) has also fielded a candidate.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, addressing a rally in support of Ajit Prasad before the campaign concluded, accused the BJP of deliberately delaying the bypoll, fearing defeat. "This election is not just about voting; it is a challenge. The BJP knew that Milkipur has always stood with the SP, which is why they postponed the poll. But those who run from elections will have to face the people's verdict," he declared.
Addressing a rally in Milkipur on Sunday, Adityanath accused SP of shielding criminals and suggested that someone from the party could be behind the crime. He also labeled SP as "anti-Sanatan." Meanwhile, Ayodhya Police arrested three individuals on Monday in connection with the woman's murder.
On Sunday, Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of using false cases to intimidate SP leaders and workers.
Local voter Mitthu Lal summed up the intense contest: "I have not yet decided whom to vote for, but the bypoll is shaping up to be a tough and interesting fight between the BJP and SP. The outcome will send a message to all parties."
With polling scheduled for February 5, the political stakes are high, and the results could serve as a litmus test for both SP and BJP in the region.
A total of ten candidates are contesting in the February 5 bypoll, but with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) opting out and the Congress backing its ally, SP, the main battle is set between SP’s Ajit Prasad and BJP’s Chandrabhanu Paswan. The Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) has also fielded a candidate.
A Political Face-Off Rooted in the Lok Sabha Elections
The bypoll was necessitated after SP leader Awadhesh Prasad vacated the Milkipur seat following his victory in the Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 general elections. Now, while the SP aims to retain its stronghold, the BJP sees an opportunity to overturn its unexpected loss in Faizabad.SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, addressing a rally in support of Ajit Prasad before the campaign concluded, accused the BJP of deliberately delaying the bypoll, fearing defeat. "This election is not just about voting; it is a challenge. The BJP knew that Milkipur has always stood with the SP, which is why they postponed the poll. But those who run from elections will have to face the people's verdict," he declared.
Dalit Woman’s Murder Sparks Political Rhetoric
The campaign turned emotional when SP’s Awadhesh Prasad broke down in public over the recent murder of a 22-year-old Dalit woman, whose body was found in a canal in Ayodhya on Saturday. His emotional reaction prompted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to dismiss it as mere “nautanki” (drama).Addressing a rally in Milkipur on Sunday, Adityanath accused SP of shielding criminals and suggested that someone from the party could be behind the crime. He also labeled SP as "anti-Sanatan." Meanwhile, Ayodhya Police arrested three individuals on Monday in connection with the woman's murder.
Star Campaigners and Election Controversies
The BJP deployed its top brass for the bypoll, with Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak actively campaigning for Chandrabhanu Paswan. Meanwhile, SP MP Dimple Yadav led a roadshow in Milkipur on Thursday. However, a case was registered against her and other SP workers for allegedly violating government restrictions, including exceeding the permitted number of vehicles.On Sunday, Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of using false cases to intimidate SP leaders and workers.
A Crucial Test for BJP and SP in Ayodhya
Milkipur was the only assembly seat the BJP lost in Ayodhya district during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. This time, both parties face the challenge of mobilizing their voter base to ensure a strong turnout on polling day.Local voter Mitthu Lal summed up the intense contest: "I have not yet decided whom to vote for, but the bypoll is shaping up to be a tough and interesting fight between the BJP and SP. The outcome will send a message to all parties."
With polling scheduled for February 5, the political stakes are high, and the results could serve as a litmus test for both SP and BJP in the region.
