Akhilesh Yadav

In recent years, the CBI has failed to make the desired impact on the target and associates. The Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate are the new favourites. They create the right buzz, hit the target hard and make an impact on the common man. At the turn of the century, Mulayam Singh and Mayawati were booked in cases of disproportionate assets.

Former chairman of the Vidhan Parishad, Sukhram Singh Yadav, has said Akhilesh Yadav should do introspection of the defeat in Azamgarh and Rampur seats. He said that Akhilesh should also maintain balance in the family. He supported the statement of Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar,

BJP jingles in the by-elections are now being hummed by all, irrespective of political affiliations. "Akhilesh huye faraar, Nirahua datal rahe (Akhilesh has fled, Nirahua is firmly here)" that targets Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's absence in the campaign, is one of the most popular jingles. A young SP leader was caught on the wrong foot, humming the ditty. He apologetically said, "The tune is so catchy and I unknowingly began humming it."

"I am grateful to Akhilesh Yadav for his party's support to my candidature and I assure that I will raise relevant issues in the Rajya Sabha," he told the reporters. By announcing support to Jayant Chaudhary, the Samajwadi Party has made the first move to cement the SP-RLD alliance for the Lok Sabha elections.

In fact, to placate Azam Khan who is angry with the SP these days, Kapil Sibal, who was his lawyer, was backed by the SP. On the other hand, Jayant Chaudhary has been given a message to follow the alliance 'dharma'. The party has reposed faith in Sambhal's Javed Ali Khan. Along with this, the party has also tried to woo Muslim voters amid the increasing distance from Azam.

"Akhilesh should come out of the comfort of air-conditioners and move out amidst the party workers if he wants to improve his party's performance in 2024," SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar told reporters here. Interestingly, SBSP MLAs did not join the Samajwadi protest in the state Assembly on Monday and remained seated.

"When two businessmen meet, they discuss business. When two politicians meet, they discuss politics. It's not a big secret. There should be sensation in the country and this will happen. Let us see what happens as we go forward," Rao said during a brief chat with media persons after a visit to a school in Delhi. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief was asked if he discussed politics and political alternatives with Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav.

For last few days, political circles in the state are abuzz with speculations over increasing bonhomie between Samajwadi Party chief’s uncle Shivpal Yadav and the ruling party BJP. Shivpal Yadav, who used to be an influential SP leader, parted ways with the party in 2019 by forming his own PSPL party, following a rift between him and his nephew Akhilesh Yadav.

Akhilesh Yadav has resigned from the Azamgarh Lok Sabha seat while Azam Khan has given up his Rampur Lok Sabha seat. Akhilesh will now retain his Karhal assembly seat and Azam Khan will keep his Rampur seat. The decision to retain the assembly seats by these two leaders is a clear indication that the SP will continue to fight the BJP on its home turf.

An office-bearer of Uttar Pradesh BJP said that the swearing-in ceremony of Adityanath as the next Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is likely to be held on March 25 evening. "Earlier, there was a plan to hold the swearing-in ceremony on March 21 but the date has been changed. Preparation for the grand swearing-in ceremony for the second term of Yogi Adityanath is in full swing at Ekana stadium in the state capital on March 25," he said.