Almost nine years ago when I began my literary exploration of Akhilesh Yadav’s personality and politics, I realised that Akhilesh was not just a son of Samajwadi Party’s patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, but also an able politician who had an instinct to lead the masses.
Consequently, I wrote with great assurance that he would be the next CM of UP in the 2012 Assembly polls. As it turned out, he did take charge of the CM office. My readings of the political undercurrents in UP was shaped up by my frequent tours in the state. However, it was also apparent that Akhilesh was determined to recognise and respond to people’s demand. He was also very conscious of strengthening his leadership skills.
Ahead of 2019 general elections, the 45-year-old charismatic socialist leader has as much to pride on the trophies of his past accomplishments as he has to ponder over the curve of his future course of the political journey.
In the middle of internal and external rumblings, former Chief Minister and national president of Samajwadi Party is grappling with the task of identifying workers with leadership characteristics in addition to directing the development of future socialist leaders. Great solace is available in his father, guide in his twilight hours.
Both experience and training have shaped the socialist leader in Akhilesh under the wings of some stalwarts of the movement. There is an excellent blend of technology and spirituality in his neo-socialism, something essential ingredients to attract the masses.
Now that he is in better charge of his party and cadre, he has swung into action like a sovereign figurehead to prove his political strength.