The bugle has been sounded and battlelines have been drawn - the stage is set for Uttar Pradesh to witness the most colourful exercise on the canvas of Indian politics – elections. Every political party is out in full force to capture the seat of power in the country's most populous state. From Chief Minister Mayawati to former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, to Congress' yuvraj Rahul Gandhi, everyone is covering the length and breadth of the state to woo the electorate.
The bugle has been sounded and battlelines have been drawn - the stage is set for Uttar Pradesh to witness the most colourful exercise on the canvas of Indian politics – elections. Every political party is out in full force to capture the seat of power in the country's most populous state. From Chief Minister Mayawati to former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, to Congress' yuvraj Rahul Gandhi, everyone is covering the length and breadth of the state to woo the electorate.
In her different rallies, Mayawati is busy painting the state in a bid to ensure a second consecutive term in office. Whether UP voters believe her 'blue' promises, will only be known on March 4.
A Bahujan Samaj Party supporter shows a victory sign at a rally addressed by Chief Minister Mayawati. From consolidating its traditional Dalit votebank, to wooing the Muslims the BSP leader is using every trick up her sleeves to ensure her party wins this battle. (AP Photo)
The BSP's hold is challenged by the Congress. And the recent war of words between the leaders of the two parties is bound to make this battle interesting.
Leading the Congress charge is Rahul Gandhi who has made it his mission to see the revival of his party's fortunes. But in a state with so many divisions and strong caste alliances, battleground UP remains a tough challenge for the young Gandhi.
For the Samajwadi Party, this election is make or break. While party chief Mulayam Singh firmly remains in charge of his core Yadav constituency, his son Akhilesh has been touring the state on his Kranti Rath Yatra, trying to garner support from other social groups and project the party's 'clean' image.
