Lucknow Nama: Counting,discounting

The SP has divided the constituencies in three categories depending on analysis of its prospects – winning,facing a tough battle,losing. State president Akhilesh Yadav is taking extra efforts in the last category. He makes detailed speeches in such constituencies,and then enters the D area to shake hands with people,like his political rival and the Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. In the ‘losing’ category,he wraps up his speech within minutes and leaves for the next destination. In constituencies where the party thinks it is winning,Akhilesh delivers a short speech,but doesn’t shake hands with people.

Crucial timing

Away from the din of the elections,the Lokayukta is quietly investigating complaints of corruption and the misuse of office against the powerful PWD Minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui. An adverse report in the middle of the elections may create problems for him. For,Mayawati may sack him to impress the voters. Siddiqui’s camp is hoping that the Lokayukta’s report comes after the elections. “He would then be in a better position; the elections are likely to throw up a hung assembly and a coalition government may not target him,” sources said. Siddiqui is also said to be desperately waiting for the fourth phase of elections,which will cover the Bundelkhand region,from where he hails. If the BSP performs well in Bundelkhand,he would not be so vulnerable within the party.

Playing godfather

Former BJP president Rajnath Singh has acted like a godfather for the Janwadi Party,a small outfit that claims to be working for OBCs. He initiated the move for the BJP’s alliance with Janwadi Party and ensured that it got four seats,namely Madhuban and Ghosi in Mau,Jakhaniya in Ghazipur and Atrauiya in Azamgarh. He also campaigned for the Janwadi Party candidates in all four constituencies,while no other BJP leader went there. Polling in these constituencies was held on Saturday and Janwadi leaders are hopeful that Rajnath’s Singh’s campaigning will help them win two seats.

Choppy luck

Azam Khan seems to be having bad luck with helicopters. In the past one week,the Muslim leader of the Samajwadi Party has twice faced mortal danger. “I could have been killed. I am lodging a complaint with the Election Commission and will go to court if need be,” he says,alleging a conspiracy by Mayawati. The first incident took place in Gorakhpur on February 7,where the helicopter could not take off after a public meeting and Khan had to return by road. “The helipad was surrounded by buildings on three sides and a high-tension wire on the fourth. The helicopter took off and then tilted on one side and developed some technical fault,” said Khan,“It was a close shave’’. In the second incident,the helicopter could not land in Sultanpur’s Isauli constituency because the helipad,as Khan said,“was in a thick mango orchard.” Khan chose not to land there and returned without addressing the gathering.