'Samajwadi Party is heading for majority'

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav, son of party supremo Mulayam Singh, has emerged from his father’s shadow.

He has been leading the party’s election campaign in the state Assembly election. Akhilesh has not only infused young blood in the party but has also given it a modern look by strongly advocating computer education. His “kranti rath yatra” reached every nook and corner of the state. Deccan Herald correspondent Sanjay Pandey caught up with him at an election meeting in Firozabad. Excerpts:

Surveys have predicted a hung assembly in UP?

We will prove the analysts wrong. The people of Uttar Pradesh will give a decisive mandate this time. I can clearly see a wave in favour of the SP. After the record turnout in the three phases it has become clear that we are going to secure an absolute majority.

Congress leaders have been talking about President’s rule in UP in the event of a fractured mandate?

The question of President’s rule will not arise as a majority government will be formed by us after the assembly polls. Congress leaders have already conceded defeat by saying so.

The Congress had made inroads into SP bastions in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. How do you plan to counter the threat from Congress?     

The Congress is nowhere in the contest this time. It is fighting with the help of leaders drawn from other parties. It has fielded our rebels who failed to get ticket from us.

There was resentment in the party over ticket distribution. Will it affect the outcome?

We have followed a system in ticket distribution. Some changes were made at later stage, which is natural. There is no resentment.

What, according to you, are the main issues in this polls?

Corruption and rising prices are main issues in the polls. Our rivals Bharatiya Janata Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress have no answer to these questions.     The Bahujan Samaj Party regime is neck deep in corruption. Congress-led government at the centre and Bharatiya Janata Party governments are also faced with corruption charges.

Will you be a contender for the post of chief minister if your party secures an absolute majority?

The chief minister will be chosen by the newly elected legislators. And I am sure they will elect Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Three phases of polls have witnessed huge turnout. How do you view that?

The impressive turnout signifies that the electorate want change. They are coming out in large numbers to give a decisive mandate.

How many seats do you think your party will win?

We are certain of getting 250-260 seats.