Allahabad: socio political history
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Allahabad: socio political history
’From Nehru to Atiq: Don of a new era Home To First PM Is Now Hub For Criminals
Allahabad: The city of Sangam, which was once home to Nehrus and Bachchans, today symbolises the extent to which politics has been criminalised in UP. How else can one explain the phenomenon of a Samajwadi Party toughie with an alleged criminal history, Atiq Ahmed, ascending to power from Phulpur, a constituency that was once represented by former PM Jawaharlal Nehru?
Political observers, however, do not view the rise of an alleged criminal to power with surprise. They claim the constituency emerged as an SP stronghold after successive Congres leaders in the post-Nehru era failed to improve the abysmal conditions of the people there. Today, Atiq is supporting his brother, Mohammed Ashraf’s bid for election from Allahabad City West.
Post-independence, till about 1958, Congres candidates, including Nehru, had won both assembly and Lok Sabha elections from Phulpur. Once a Congres bastion, Phulpur received its first jolt in 1968 byelection when party candidate lost to Samyukt Socialist Party’s Janeshwar Mishra. However, Congres nominee Ram Pujan Patel brought smiles for the party leadership after his triumph in the next election.
Before 1989, there was no caste-based politics in Phulpur. But when the Mandal Commission report was released by former PM VP Singh, the political scenario altered dramatically in this constituency. After 1989, Phulpur voters divided themselves on caste lines and it later emerged as a Muslim stronghold, followed by Yadav and OBCs.
After the caste factor replaced moral values in the area, all political parties have brazenly indulged in caste-based politics, senior Congres leader Mukand Tewari said, adding that the Congres has been making all possible efforts to regain its old glory. In fact, Ram Pujan Patel, who was a Congres nominee, won the 1989 election on Janata Dal ticket. In 1991, Patel again retained the seat on Janata Dal ticket.
After 1993, the area turned into an SP stronghold and its candidates have been winning till date. The party won in 1993, 1996 and 2003 parliamentary elections.