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Chandrabhan Paswan, a young leader from the Pasi community is a two-time district panchayat member from Rudauli. Paswan’s wife also serves as a district panchayat member
The BJP has fielded Chandrabhan Paswan, a candidate from the Pasi community from Milkipur. (X@PTI_News)
The by-election for the Milkipur assembly constituency will be held on February 5. Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Awadhesh Prasad was the MLA of Milkipur before he was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2024.
The BJP has fielded Chandrabhan Paswan, a candidate from the Pasi community, in this constituency. Paswan will be taking on Ajit Prasad, the son of Awadhesh Prasad, fielded by the SP, who also belongs to the Pasi community.
With the Congress and BSP choosing not to contest, the high-profile seat in Ayodhya will witness a direct contest between the SP and BJP.
Like the SP’s Ajit Prasad, Chandrabhan Paswan is a young leader. However, Chandrabhan Paswan brings political experience, having served as a district panchayat member from Rudauli twice. Currently, his wife also holds a district panchayat member position.
Former MLA Baba Gorakhnath had also staked a claim to the BJP ticket. However, the party surprised many by giving a chance to a new face in this crucial by-election.
Caste Dynamics of the Milkipur Seat
The caste equation in Milkipur plays a significant role in determining the victor. The constituency has approximately 350,000 voters, with Dalits forming the largest segment, numbering around 150,000. Within the Dalit population, Pasi voters constitute a significant portion with around 55,000 voters. OBC voters, including approximately 55,000 Yadav voters, form another substantial group.
Brahmins number around 60,000, while Muslim voters also hold a decisive position. Kshatriya and Vaishya voters number 25,000 and 18,000, respectively. Additionally, Kori, Kahar, and Nishad voters have historically influenced election outcomes.
SP’s Reliance on the PDA Formula
The Samajwadi Party is banking on the PDA (pichde (backward classes), Dalits and alpsankhyak (minorities)) formula to secure the Milkipur seat. The SP aims to retain its hold on the constituency by appealing to these communities.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made the contest a prestige fight for the BJP. He has taken upon himself the responsibility of leading the party to victory, seeking to avenge the BJP’s Lok Sabha election defeat. Adityanath is actively campaigning in the constituency with the slogan “Ek rahenge safe rahenge” (Stay united, stay safe).
