Dimple Yadav scents victory in city of perfumes

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav, had narrowly scraped through in the 'Modi Wave' in 2014 by 20 thousand votes from Kannauj Lok Sabha seat.

But this time, it seems, she is already scenting victory-courtesy SP's alliance with the BSP.

On a seat, where 'Muslims' and SCs formed around 30 per cent of the electorate, the alliance with the BSP could almost ensure victory for Dimple. BSP nominee had secured 1.27 lakh votes in 2014.

''Yes....our position has strengthened after alliance with the BSP....now we have the support of both Muslims and SCs,'' says a local SP leader.

Famous for its naturally manufactured 'Ittar' (perfumes), Kannauj, about 150 kilometres from the state capital of Lucknow, is also home to a large number of 'Kanyakubja' (a branch of brahmins), who appear to be inclined toward the BJP. The saffron party has fielded its senior 'Brahmin' leader Subrat Pathak from here in the hope of bagging the votes of the community.

''We will win this time....people from all sections will vote for prime minister Narendra Modi,'' says district BJP president Anand Singh Bhadauria.

Speaking with a cross-section of the electorate, it becomes clear that Modi is indeed the issue here though caste preferences are still very strong in the rural areas.

Many here, however, have a soft corner for Akhilesh Yadav, who had begun his electoral innings from Kannauj. ''Akhilesh has done a lot for Kannauj....we have a medical college....the roads are also good....he also helped develop the local perfume industry,'' said Rajesh Pal, a local resident.

In his election rally here a few days back, Akhilesh ahd tried to strike an emotional chord with the electorate here by reminding them that they had sent him to Lok Sabha for the first time.

Nawab Singh Yadav, who was representative of Dimple Yadav here, said that she would win by a bigger margin this time. ''The BJP government in the state has meted step motherly treatment to Kannauj after assuming power....people are very angry with the saffron party,'' he said.

As one passes through the narrow lanes of the town filled with the smell of perfumes sold by scores of manufacturers and sellers, it is not very difficult to scent, which way is the wind blowing.

Dimple may find it comparatively simple this time. Polling will be held here on Monday.