Masood last won an election in 2007. Despite his successive poll losses, local BJP leaders concede he has strong base in Saharanpur, but target him saying he switched 3 parties in year.
NDA has already given Bijnor MP Malook Nagar campaign duties to woo Gurjars in favour of its candidates. Meanwhile, SP has declared Ram Shiromani Verma its Shravasti candidate.
Convicted in 8 cases, including 1 of murder, the gangster-turned-politician was elected 5 times as MLA from Mau. He contested from BSP, his own Qaumi Ekta Dal as well as an Independent.
Of BSP's 7 Muslim candidates, 4 will fight SP-Congress alliance's Muslim candidates on Amroha, Moradabad, Sambhal & Saharanpur, could lead to counter-polarisation of votes in BJP's favour.
Gandhi was the first leader to express solidarity and stand by him and his family after he became the target of 'anti-Muslim remarks' in Parliament, Amroha MP adds.
Over past 6 yrs, several Muslim leaders have exited BSP, giving rise to concerns about party suffering setbacks in 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, Congress has started its UP Jodo Yatra.
Party drew blank in Telangana, MP, Chhattisgarh. It allied with regional Gondwana Gantantra Party in latter two states. Overall, BSP cut into BJP votes on 31 seats, Congress votes on 39.
SP, Congress, BJP & ASP plan outreach programmes for Dalit community. BSP chief Mayawati calls them ‘new well-wishers’ of party founder, says 'posing for sake of votes' ahead of 2024.
In a country where unemployment is at a historic high, the national anxiety isn’t about jobs — it’s about reach. Aspirations have shifted from employment to engagement, from careers to content.
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