Kairana bypoll: Fresh test of opposition unity in UP

Lucknow: The new found opposition unity in Uttar Pradesh will be on test once again in the coming Kairana Lok Sabha bypoll with the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) appearing keen on throwing its hat in the ring.

Led by former Union minister Ajit Singh, the RLD, which has considerable influence in western UP, believes that both the caste and communal equations there are in its favour.

“The decision on which party will be given the ticket is for the senior leaders of opposition parties to decide...We want that the united opposition which had taken shape in the recent Lok Sabha by-elections (in Gorakhpur and Phulpur) should be expanded to defeat the BJP,” RLD national spokesman Anil Dubey told PTI on Tuesday.

“The RLD has been working among all sections of the constituency since the past several years and has won the goodwill, cutting across caste and communal lines. Party’s senior leader Jayant Chaudhary has been leading this campaign,” a senior RLD leader said on condition of anonymity.

While stressing that the RLD has expanded its support with the joining of Amir Alam and Nawazish Alam — both leaders having considerable influence in the area — he said the Congress is already in favour of Mr Chaudhary contesting from the seat.

“Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has to take a call in this regard as BSP chief Mayawati has already gone on record saying that her party will not play an active role in any more byelections,” he said.