The by-election to Ghosi assembly constituency has become a prestige issue for both the Samajwadi Party and the inclusive opposition alliance INDIA. Determined to show the success of the newly-formed Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance to the nation, leaders of the bloc are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to secure victory in this crucial election.

SP president and former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav is set to embark on an election campaign in Ghosi on August 29, reinforcing the party’s commitment to winning this crucial by-election. Senior leaders of the SP like Ramgopal Yadav and party general secretary Shivpal Singh Yadav have already started campaigning in this constituency.

The SP candidate for Ghosi, Sudhakar Singh, enjoys the support of Congress, the Rashtriya Lok Dal and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), all integral constituents of the 'INDIA’ bloc.

With an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, these parties are rallying behind Singh to create a unified front against the Bharatiya Janata Party.

In the event of a favourable outcome for the SP in this election, the INDIA alliance is poised to amplify the message, showcasing the public’s endorsement for this experiment in Uttar Pradesh.

Shivpal Yadav has been diligently conducting door-to-door outreach in the constituency for the past several days. In his small meetings with voters, he emphasises the personal prestige linked to this seat, urging everyone to spare no effort in ensuring the success of the SP candidate.

Prof Ramgopal Yadav, too, has been meeting with local workers, imparting strategies for managing votes at the booth level.

On his arrival in Ghosi, Akhilesh Yadav is scheduled to address a meeting on Tuesday. The SP leadership has alleged that their supporters are being harassed by police and are being prevented from reaching polling booths. Akhilesh will call upon the people of Ghosi to vote without fear and report any attempts to obstruct voting.

Yadav is also expected to motivate party workers, emphasising that this by-election is not merely about one seat. He will underline that its outcome will have far-reaching implications for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, making it a pivotal moment in Uttar Pradesh politics.

As the election date approaches, all eyes are on Ghosi, where political fortunes hang in the balance and the battle for prestige rages on.