that the fiery leader failed to provide transparent and responsible governance. In India’s most populated state with a population close to 20 crore of which 18% comprises the ever demanding and vocal Muslims in addition to a sizable number of under privileged people, her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has had no alternative but to induct several undesirable persons with criminal antecedents who were elected as legislators into her Council of Ministers. These   inductees have not only discredited her but also defamed the state which by and large has remained economically backward which is compelling its people to migrate to other states in search of means by which to earn their livelihood.

It is believed that Mayawati lacks vision and has no worthwhile agenda to create a job oriented economy. In the last assembly polls held five years ago, she pulled off what can be called ‘social engineering’ by bringing all high castes, Muslims and Dalits on board and thereby won as many as 206 of the 403 seats trouncing the Samajwadi Party (SP) headed by Mulayam Singh Yadav which won 97 seats followed by BJP with 51, Congress with 22, Independents and others with 18 seats. Because of the maladministration and corruption, it is doubtful whether she will be able to get 150 seats in the coming elections. She has disenchanted all sections of the society including some Dalit groups.

The elections in Uttar Pradesh with a total electorate of 12.48 crore compared to 10.84 crore in the last elections are definitely between the SP headed by aging Mulayam Singh Yadav (73) who has literally handed over the party to his son Akhilesh Yadav, Lok Sabha Member from Kanauj, and Mayawati’s BSP. The Congress and the BJP will certainly improve their tally but to what extent can not be predicted. The Congress lacks a charismatic and popular leader in UP and its campaign is being headed by its national General Secretary Rahul Gandhi who is being assisted by unpredictable Digvijaya  Singh (64), the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. He has lost his foothold in his home state and is leaving no stone unturned to emerge as the messiah of the minorities and is making commitments almost on a regular basis to the 18% Muslim community. He has even gone to the extent of opposing official lines on various issues including reservation policy under the Constitution formulated by Baba Sahib Ambedkar.

Mulayam Singh Yadav, his son Akhilesh (39), who is the state President of SP, and Mayawati do not lag behind the Congress in doling out promises without considering whether such commitments can be honoured. It is interesting to note some of the freebies announced by the SP supremo Mulayam Singh which include free education for girls, free medicines, irrigation water free of cost, free electricity to poor farmers, weavers and laptops to students. Nobody can stop politicians from promising the moon to attract voters. It is the 3Cs- Caste, Cash and Criminals which dominate the poll scenario in the state along with the 3 Ms - Money, Mafia and Muscle Power. The controversial multi billion 2G scam involving several bigwigs including the Home Minister P Chidambaram, the Ajodhya issue and Mayawati’s proposal to split UP into four states have been relegated to the background. Speeches delivered by the leaders are meant for the appeasement of communities. No party has any blueprint for the state’s inclusive socio-economic development including improvements in infrastructure and communications which will generate job opportunities.

Election rallies have become platforms to run down political opponents. Meanwhile, pre poll surveys conducted by some influential TV channels and other agencies are unanimous in predicting that no party will gain two thirds majority to form a government on its own. Since BSP and SP are regarded as friendly parties of the Congress despite denouncing one another publicly, Congress may help SP form the next government. AIUDF and Trinamool Congress have also joined the fray and are likely to get some seats at the cost of other secular parties. They have not declared their stand in the event of a hung assembly which is being predicted by pollsters. There are also several independent candidates who are likely to win and play spoilsport. The post poll scenario will be interesting and it can not be predicted as to who will help which party or parties to come to power in Lucknow. After all, there is no untouchability and permanent enemy in politics.