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Friday, January 16, 2026
TopicUttar Pradesh

Topic: Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh (UP) is India’s most populous state and a key player in national politics, sending 80 Members of Parliament to the Lok Sabha—the highest among all states. It has produced the most Indian prime ministers, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Charan Singh, and Narendra Modi.

The state was formed in 1950 when the United Provinces were renamed Uttar Pradesh. In 2000, Uttarakhand was carved out to better represent the Himalayan regions. UP’s capital is Lucknow, while the Allahabad High Court, based in Prayagraj, is its highest judicial authority.

Uttar Pradesh is known for its historical and cultural significance, home to landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Varanasi, and the mythically important Ayodhya. It hosts the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, held every 12 years in Prayagraj. However, the 2024 Maha Kumbh was marred by a tragic stampede, highlighting concerns over crowd management at major religious events.

The state has also witnessed significant social and political unrest, including the Hathras rape case, which sparked nationwide outrage over issues of gender and caste-based violence and institutions responsible for the delivery of justice. UP remains a focal point in India’s socio-political landscape, balancing rapid development with persistent challenges in law and order, infrastructure, and governance.

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Why Samajwadi Party is swinging focus from Muslims & Yadavs to Dalit & OBC vote in UP

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The SP has announced 28 OBC and 14 Dalit candidates in UP, while giving tickets to only 4 Muslims. Political experts say it’s a tactic to broaden its base and counter BJP’s ‘polarisation’.

18 Muslims, 14 OBCs, 10 Brahmins — BSP’s candidate selection could hurt INDIA bloc more than NDA

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In list of 64 BSP candidates so far, SCs only fielded in reserved seats. 10 Brahmins & 5 Thakurs fielded, but they're unlikely to create dent in BJP's 'upper-caste' vote base, say experts.

No Mandir or Hindutva, BJP’s Maneka Gandhi banks on work for second term from Sultanpur

Sanya Dhingra -
‘I never ask your caste or religion, all I ask is what I can do for you,’ she tells the crowds in her rallies, advising people to ‘vote for the party that has worked for you’.

Gunning to be UP’s Dalit face, Chandra Shekhar Azad’s wooing Nagina. But BSP says he’s no Mayawati

Krishan Murari -
Azad is his party's lone candidate this election, contesting from reserved seat Nagina. He's a hit among constituency's youth, but analysts say he needs to do more to have pan-UP presence.

Boti-boti to roji-roti — how Congress’s Saharanpur candidate Imran Masood has changed tune

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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.

‘What if I die or become disabled?’ In UP ‘village of jawans’, few want to join Army as Agniveer

Sanya Dhingra -
Nearly every family in eastern UP’s Gahmar village has had a member serve in the Army. Now, the Agnipath scheme has triggered an identity crisis and widespread anger toward the government.
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