Why does almost every secular political party declare their Hindu credentials right before electoral contests, right from reciting religious hymns and verses to visiting temples? Somebody becomes a Janeu Dhari (the one who wears Brahminical thread) while others take blessings of Lord Hanuman, a practice influencing and impacting everyone alike.
Akhilesh Yadav too is in the fray to enter this club sooner than later, broadcasting himself as a greater Hindu, taking inspiration from Rahul Gandhi’s temple run during the 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections.
I believe this won’t do for Akhilesh, who should work his wonders at the grassroots for reviving and resurrecting the Samajwadi Party cadres and workers. Broadcasting the achievements of his stint as state’s chief minister from 2012–17 will definitely deliver and boost his prospects for the next year UP assembly elections.
Already, the Samajwadi Party has decided to go for regional alliances than a coalition with a national party. But this has problems that may restrict Akhilesh’s march to Lucknow. The Owaisi factor coupled with Congress and BSP contesting on its own may signal trouble for Akhilesh Bhaiya, as for it he will have to keep his ears to the ground, relying on the advice and inputs of the party leadership.
Shrinking the space for conflict and contradictions like the last time SP entered into a tactical understanding with the Congress. It will be in Akhilesh’s interest to be mindful of the BJPs spoiler spot, crushing and curtailing his chances. He anyhow can’t afford it.