UP BJP all smiles at Opp disarray over Lucknow

There never was any debate on whether the PM would win from Lucknow, the only question was the victory margin because in the last polls it was reduced by over one lakh. ‘‘A unified candidate would have not only disturbed the BJP but also would have put the NDA on tenterhooks. This explains why the Congress was in a mood to field one ,’’ said Sanjay Singh.

The SP has even formally announced the candidature of gynaecologist Madhu Gupta. But her candidature is too weak to attract votes against the PM, who has won from Lucknow since 1991.

SP general secretary Amar Singh, however, thinks positively. ‘‘Mamata Banerjee was a non-entity before she defeated Somnath Chaterjee. That victory made her Mamata of today,’’ he said.

While the BJP camp is upbeat with the BSP and SP decision, the Left parties have reacted strongly. ‘‘Mulayam Singh Yadav is a changed politician now while BSP chief Mayawati did not join hands with the Congress following fears of being sent to jail on the Taj Heritage corridor issue,’’ CPM state secretary Ashok Mishra said.