Calling Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi ‘sons of Uttar Pradesh’s soil’, Priyanka Gandhi firmly became a part of SP-Congress campaign’s youth plank against opponents BJP and BSP. Ms Gandhi, in a fierce attack on PM Minister Narendra Modi, said that Uttar Pradesh doesn’t need an ‘outsider’. While Priyanka’s first public address didn’t feature anything out of the box, it did add to alliance’s projection of a ‘young-ideology’ against the old guard. Priyanka’s attack was centered right at youths – “Kya yaha koi naujawan nahi hai? Aapke do naujawan aapke saamne hain. UP ka ek ek nau jawan leader ban sakta hai.” While she aimed to hit Modi’s ‘outsider’ identity, her jibe was an ostensible reminder of the fact that PM won’t be the presiding head of state after elections, also Ms Gandhi encashed her’s, Rahul and Akhilesh’s youth appeal.

In their 10 point-common agenda, the Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav have tried everything which appeals youth. The list prominently featured free smartphones and employment guarantee through skill training programs for youths – something which appeals youth. For tenagers, who will be voters by next elections,  a free bicyle to female students above 8th standards and meritorious male students has been promised. In youths’ eyes, the promises are no ‘chunavi jumalas’ as Akhilesh has substantially delivered with his previous laptop promise-something which he has been reminding the young voters for long.

Akhilesh’s manner of listing the “achievements” of his government, and the work he’s done to develop the state, is also appealing for youth. In public rallies, the road network Akhilesh’s built, free laptops (though many still waiting) distributed amongst students, and the 16 hours daily electricity being provided to rural areas, with a promise to extend it to 24 hours is something which has a direct appeal on young voters. On the other hand, BJP’s election campaign has largely focused on the achievement of Central Government and taking to stock ‘poor’ law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh.

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Akhilesh’s election catchphrase “Kaam bolta hai” (work speaks), followed by “UP Ko ye Sath Passand Hai” (UP likes this alliance) – formulated after SP’s alliance with Congress, youth and clean image, has helped alliance keeping their stocks high among youths. Also, his successful public feud with his party’s old guard has won him mammoth sympathy among masses. Now, as Priyanka is scheduled to address some more public rallies, she’s likely to be more trenchant on Modi’s ‘outsider’ image and will stress further upon Rahul and Akhilesh’s youth appeal.