Triumphant Victory: SP’s Naseem Solanki Wins UP Bypoll, Riding Emotional Sympathy Wave Over Jailed Ex-MLA Husband
Riding a wave of public sympathy, Samajwadi Party candidate Naseem Solanki emerged victorious in the Sisamau Assembly by-election, defeating her nearest rival, BJP’s Suresh Awasthi, by 8,564 votes. Naseem, who secured 69,714 votes, leaned on her family’s political legacy and the conviction of her husband, former three-time MLA Irfan Solanki, to garner support. Irfan is currently jailed on charges of land-grabbing and harassment after a court sentenced him and others to seven years in prison.
Throughout her maiden campaign, Naseem frequently invoked her family’s struggles, appealing emotionally to voters to support them. She maintained a lead throughout the counting process, with Awasthi and BSP candidate Virendra Kumar trailing behind. By the eighth out of twenty counting rounds, she had a comfortable lead, while Kumar managed just 1,410 votes.
Celebrating her win, Naseem declared it a triumph for justice, thanking Sisamau’s people for their unwavering support, likening them to her “extended family.” She received strong backing from senior SP leaders, including party chief Akhilesh Yadav and his wife Dimple Yadav, who actively campaigned on her behalf. Dimple Yadav led a roadshow, while Akhilesh Yadav addressed rallies supporting Naseem.
Naseem’s campaign, however, stirred controversy when she visited the Balkhandeshwar temple, drawing criticism from Muslim religious leaders, which led to a purification ritual by the temple priests. Despite this, her campaign gained traction.
The BJP, eager to reclaim the Sisamau seat, countered with an aggressive campaign led by top figures, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, to back Awasthi, a notable Brahmin leader. However, Naseem’s emotional appeal and effective campaign prevailed in the end, securing her a notable victory in the region.
Original Story https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/up-bypoll-results-3-time-ex-mla-husband-in-jail-sp-candidate-naseem-solanki-comes-out-winner-riding-on-sympathy-wave-9687032/
Category : Cities,Lucknow
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Publish Date: 2024-11-24 06:08:00
