Premium

Delhi Confidential: In tune

SP president Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday attended an event organised by the party workers to celebrate the birthday of the Khesari, hours after the two met at the former’s residence

Akhilesh Yadav

Keeping in mind the Bihar polls later this year and the UP Assembly polls in 2027, Samajwadi Party is trying to cash in on the popularity of Bhojpuri singer-actor Khesari Lal Yadav to win over Purvanchali voters. SP president Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday attended an event organised by the party workers to celebrate the birthday of the Khesari, hours after the two met at the former’s residence. Khesari learnt to have met the SP chief a few days back, too. A senior SP functionary said Khesari has not formally joined the SP but the party will take his services in the campaigning for the 2027 UP polls.

Chill Over Bill

After meeting the top leaders of BJP’s key allies at the Centre—TDP and JDU—seeking support against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the recent weeks, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) seems to have lost all hopes for a positive response. The Board has not sent invitations to the TDP and JDU for a dharna it is holding against the Bill at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on March 17 even as it has received confirmation for participation from 16 Opposition parties. Instead, the AIMPLB has decided to stage sit-ins against the Waqf Bill in JDU-ruled Bihar (on March 20) and TDP-ruled Andhra Pradesh (March 24).

Guest Appearance

At least two Union ministers in the recent past have made guest appearances during the House proceedings in two state Assemblies. Earlier this month, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan witnessed the proceedings of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly during the Budget presentation. Last month, MoS for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, S P Singh Baghel, witnessed from the Delhi Assembly visitors’ gallery the discussion on the CAG reports presented by the Rekha Gupta-led government.