UP Elections 2017: Is BJP Akhilesh Yadav's Biggest Headache in East UP? He Says No

Lucknow: It was an important press conference, held on the eve of fifth phase polling in Uttar Pradesh. As Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav entered the media hall of the Samajwadi Party headquarters, what was expected was a scathing attack on rivals in the seemingly triangular battle for UP.

However, as the press conference progressed and finally concluded, only one question remained — is it only the BJP whom Akhilesh is fighting in eastern UP? Or was it a subtle strategy to project the remaining poll phases as a contest between the Samajwadi Party and the BJP, and aimed at preventing the possible division of minority votes in favour of Mayawati’s BSP.

At the press conference, News18 put the question to Akhilesh, who remained focused on the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Does he believe the BJP is the only other key contender for the remaining 150 odd seats that are yet to vote in eastern UP? This was the CM’s response: “Don't divert the issue... Good you reminded me of my bua (Mayawati... But I will stick to my agenda. Modi ji speaks of Mann ki Baat. He should tell the people of UP what ‘kaam ki baat' he did in the last three years.”ALSo READ: Dimple Yadav returns BJP's 'Kasab' Fire With Computer, Smartphone, Bachche

Senior journalist Sharat Pradhan, who was also present at the press conference, observes, “Akhilesh probably wants to present the battle for eastern UP as one solely between the SP and the BJP. He, therefore, didn't talk about the BSP.”

So, do Akhilesh’s comments add to the BJP’s perception as a formidable contender? Says Sharat Pradhan, “This positive perception around the BJP will definitely gain strength following Akhilesh's press conference. But then, if Akhilesh is able to check the division of minority votes, things can get tough for the BJP in the east.”

The BJP, however, sums up the press conference as that of a leader who has read the writing on the wall and who knows what voters’ mandate is going to be. The party's state general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak says, “Akhilesh should first reflect on what development he has actually done. As far as the press conference is concerned, it seemed to be held by someone who has already conceded defeat.”