The proposed Grand Alliance in Uttar Pradesh seems to have run into teething troubles with some members of the constituent parties having serious reservations over the entry of smaller parties.
The proposed Grand Alliance in Uttar Pradesh seems to have run into teething troubles with some members of the constituent parties having serious reservations over the entry of smaller parties. Peace Party and the fledgling Mahaan Dal had agreed to be a part of the alliance but are unwilling to merge into the larger parties.
Keshav Dev Maurya, president of the Mahaan Dal, admitted that he was not in favour of merging with other parties. “We want to retain our identity but can join the alliance,” he said.
The Peace Party also wants to retain its independent identity but is ready to join the alliance.
Groups within the JD(U) and RLD, however, feel that an alliance with the Peace Party and the Mahaan Dal would serve no purpose.
“The Mahaan Dal has not shown any positive results in the electrons. The party contested on three seats in the LS polls but could not get even a sizeable number of votes. If we are looking at Shakya, Maurya and Kushwaha votes, we might as well join hands with former BSP minister Babu Singh Kushwaha who enjoys a much larger following in these communities. Kushwaha’s Jan Adhikar Manch has been holding rallies and is drawing huge crowds,” said a RLD leader.
He favoured an alliance with the Apna Dal faction led by Anupriya Patel rather than the one led by her mother Krishna Patel. Similar views are being echoed for the Peace Party in which three of four members in the state Assembly have already split. “Peace Party president Dr Ayub is left on his own and most of his leaders and workers have moved away. It would be wiser to enter into an alliance with the rebel group led by Rae Bareli MLA Akhilesh Singh,” said a JD(U) leader.
