Samajwadi Party’s Candidate Shuffle: Challenges and Changes Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

GG News Bureau
Lucknow, 5th April. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has undergone yet another alteration in its lineup of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, notably in Meerut, where its selection has seen multiple changes.

Initially, Bhanu Pratap Singh was nominated, but due to objections from the party’s local cadre, his candidacy was withdrawn.

Subsequently, Atul Pradhan, the Sardhana MLA, was chosen, only to be replaced swiftly by Sunita Verma, who filed her nomination papers on Thursday afternoon.

Sunita Verma, along with her husband Yogesh Verma, a two-time MLA, was expelled from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in 2019. Interestingly, Atul Pradhan played a pivotal role in bringing the Vermas into the SP fold. However, their relationship soured following the 2022 Assembly elections, leading to tensions.

Pradhan, whose brief stint as the Meerut candidate attracted criticism from RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary, has pledged his support to the party’s decision, demonstrating party loyalty amidst the changes.

The replacement of candidates ahead of elections is not uncommon and may occur due to various reasons, including a reassessment of a party’s winning prospects in a particular constituency.

In Meerut, Verma’s nomination reflects a strategic move by the SP, considering her Dalit background and the significant Dalit population in the city. She will face actor Arun Govil, known for his portrayal of Lord Ram in the Ramayan series, who is contesting on the BJP ticket.

However, the SP has encountered challenges not only in Meerut but also in Moradabad, Rampur, and Budaun. In Moradabad, Ruchi Veera’s nomination was confirmed after initial confusion, while in Rampur, Asim Raza was eventually chosen amidst competing interests. Budaun presents a dilemma, with Dharmendra Yadav initially selected but facing contention from Shivpal Yadav for his son Aditya.

The SP has also witnessed changes in candidates for several other seats across Uttar Pradesh, including Sambal, where the MP’s demise led to a necessitated change. The party is contesting the majority of UP’s 80 Lok Sabha seats, with the remainder allocated to its alliance partner, the Congress.

As the electoral landscape continues to evolve, the SP remains engaged in adapting its strategy to maximize its electoral prospects across the state.