Samajwadi Party To Start Campaigning Soon In UP?

Just after returning from a foreign tour on the 2nd, Akhilesh Yadav called a meeting of his core group at his residence to chalk out the strategy for the coming assembly elections of UP, sources say. In discussions, most leaders noted that the BJP is well ahead in campaigning, and the SP is just talking to start. They also requested the Chief to preponement of the proposed Cycle yatra, initially scheduled for September-October, according to a party source. Party leaders felt that, after securing more than 30 seats in parliamentary elections, the party had become lethargic and was taking for granted that the ground situation was in the party's favour.

Present leaders also urged that the Yatra start as early as possible and called for the party to develop a program to attract new voters. Core group leaders also said that in parliamentary elections, the results in Haryana, Bihar, and Maharashtra were broadly in line with UP. Still, in assembly elections, the BJP did fairly well, according to sources.

The leaders said that the BJP is trying its best to attract new voters, a source says. After detailed discussions, Akhilesh Yadav decided on three points: to get a district-wise survey, start the cycle yatra soon and for this, he will determine the route soon; and lastly, to cement the strategy the core group meeting will be held on 16 - 17th of the month at the party office of Lucknow source says.