Mulayam to take over UP, Rahul factor crucial: Poll

New Delhi : Uttar Pradesh’s ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is likely to be replaced by Mulayam Singh’s Samajwadi Party (SP) as the single largest party in the 403-member assembly after elections next year, an opinion poll said on Saturday.

STAR News-Nielsen survey, conducted in 202 constituencies of the state in November, also said that the “Rahul Gandhi factor” can make at least 24 percent non-Congress voters shift to the Congress.

According to the survey, the SP would emerge as the single largest party ahead of the BSP, followed by the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The survey predicted BSP’s victory in 117 constituencies, a massive drop from its 2007 tally of 206. The SP is likely to win in 132 constituencies, a gain from its 2007 tally of 97.

The Congress may win in 68 constituencies, a huge gain from the 22 it won in 2007, while the BJP is likely to finish with a tally of 65.

A statement on the survey’s findings said the Congress’ alliance with Ajit Singh’s Rashtriya Lok Dal would result in the alliance winning in 85 constituencies.

“The alliance between Ajit Singh’s RLD and the Congress was announced midway through the survey. The Congress’ move to tie up with Ajit Singh seems to be paying off as the survey estimates that the alliance will get 85 seats,” said the statement.

Within the alliance, the Congress may win in 70 constituencies while the RLD may win in 15 constituencies.

The survey also said that Rahul Gandhi’s aggressive campaign in the state “seems to be striking the right note with the voters”.