The political landscape in Uttar Pradesh is undergoing seismic shifts as the Congress party grapples with unexpected challenges ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Samajwadi Party’s (SP) unilateral declaration of candidates for 16 Lok Sabha seats, including Sambhal and Lucknow, has left the Congress in disarray. In a surprising turn of events, senior Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam, twice a contestant on Congress tickets, appears to be expressing dissatisfaction and is now singing praises of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Acharya Pramod Krishnam’s Background:
Acharya Pramod Krishnam, aged 59, a former member of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s team and the Peethadhishwar of Sambhal Kalki Dham, has been a prominent Congress figure. Having contested from Sambhal in 2014 and Lucknow in 2019, Krishnam’s recent actions have raised eyebrows within the party. His unexpected meetings with Prime Minister Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where he invited them for the foundation-laying ceremony of ‘Kalki Dham’ in Sambhal district, have led to speculations about his changing allegiances
Praise for BJP Leaders:
Since his interactions with the BJP leaders, Krishnam has been openly praising them, commending Prime Minister Modi for his role in the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple. While Krishnam insists that his meetings were solely related to the Kalki Dham inauguration and not political in nature, his statements have created concerns among Congress workers.
Describing Modi as having “divine powers,” Krishnam highlighted the desire among followers of Sanatan Dharma for the PM to lay the foundation of Kalki Dham, drawing parallels with the construction of the Ram Temple.
Criticism of Congress and Rahul Gandhi:
In a surprising turn of events, Krishnam criticized his own party for not accepting the consecration invite for the Ayodhya Ram Temple. He emphasized that Lord Ram belongs to everyone and urged the Congress to rectify its decision. Furthermore, he questioned the timing and motives behind Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Naya Yatra,’ suggesting that it seemed like the party was gearing up for the 2029 elections rather than focusing on the imminent 2024 polls.
Congress’s Internal Struggles:
Sources within the Congress reveal that Krishnam, once a part of the Uttar Pradesh Advisory Council formed to assist Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, may be sulking due to the SP’s decision to unilaterally declare candidates for Sambhal and Lucknow – seats Krishnam had his eyes on. While the Congress has not endorsed the SP list and is hopeful of securing at least the Lucknow seat, the competition is fierce. In Sambhal, the SP has fielded its sitting MP, Shafiqur Rehman Barq, while in Lucknow, the party sees a strong chance with veteran leader Ravidas Mahrotra.
Electoral History of Acharya Pramod Krishnam:
Krishnam’s electoral history reveals mixed results. Despite securing over 1.80 lakh votes in Lucknow in 2019, where he finished third behind the BJP’s Rajnath Singh, the Congress faced a severe setback in other parts of the state. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Krishnam finished fifth in Sambhal. While his ties with leaders of other parties, including the SP, may work in his favor, his electoral track record remains a point of contention within the Congress.
The Congress party in Uttar Pradesh finds itself in a challenging position, grappling with internal dissent and the unexpected shift in loyalty by a senior leader. Acharya Pramod Krishnam’s recent interactions with BJP leaders and his public praise for Prime Minister Modi have added complexity to the political dynamics. As the state gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress faces the daunting task of navigating internal conflicts, securing key seats, and regaining political momentum. The unfolding events in Uttar Pradesh will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the upcoming polls and the future trajectory of the Congress in the state.