Kalyan Singh, riding the mandal-kamandal politics, was leading the first full majority government in the state. The prospects did not look very bright.
Mulayam stitched together an alliance with Kanshi Ram and was back as the chief minister of the state in less than 12 months of forming his party. It was a record of sorts.
The turning point was Akhilesh deciding to attend the October 24 convention at party office and challenging his detractors in full public glare. But then, that was half the job done.
Akhilesh Yadav is trying to break free of the mould where he is seen to be a Yadav leader conflating caste mobilisation with minority insecurities. No doubt he brings along with him a whole new constituency across caste lines. He's attempting to do a BJP on the BJP.
All this notwithstanding, caste is a reality of India's socio-politics. In the Hindi heartland as anywhere else.
Mulayam Singh has thus far played his cards very well. A day ahead of the grand conclave he drove down to meet Shivpal at latter's private residence. The Chacha has shifted to this house after being sacked by Akhilesh last month.
Mulayam does not want any showdown during Saturday's function. Instructions have been issued not to let in expelled Akhilesh supporters at the venue.
"Abhi hum log toote nahin hain,” said Shivpal with a quintessential chuckle leaving for the airport to personally receive Deve Gowda and Lalu Yadav.
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