In pics: Key players of UP political battleground for LS polls 2014

Lucknow, March 13: Uttar Pradesh, the country's fifth largest state in area and the most populous in the country is considered to be one of the most important states in terms of politics and why not, it has given "eight prime ministers" to India.

With total 80 parliamentary constituencies (Lok Sabha seats) and 403 legislative assembly constituencies, the stakes are high for the future of UP and the fact that it has the potential to decide 'which party will call the shots' at the centre can also not be ignored.

Currently ruled by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav led-Samajwadi Party (SP), the two national parties Congress and BJP have put a 'hawk' eye on the crucial state.

The newbie Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by the former chief minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal, also wants the power throne of UP.

And, the SP's Netaji faces the biggest challenge from its main arch rival- Bahujan Samaj Party's (BSP) supremo Mayawati, who was in power during 2007-2012.

The UP is all set to face the elections heat in six phases starting from April 10, 17, 24, 30, May 7 an ending till May 12.

The counting of votes will take place on May 16- a very crucial day that will change the "five year- old" political session of many states.

As the most populous state of the country, UP has large number of electorates with diverse communities, who are set to cast their votes in the upcoming general elections.

If we take a look at the compostion of the UP voters, then it can be understood that Upper castes form 20.5% of the total electorate, OBCs (39.9%) , SCs (21%) and Muslims (18.5%).

Most of the upper caste-Rajputs, Brahmins and Baniyas are largely with the BJP others are divided.

Most of the OBCs- Yadavs are with SP, Kurmis are split between SP, BJP and Congress and others are undecided as they are wooed by all parties.

Most of the Scs - Jatavs are with BSP, Pasis are split between BJP, SP and Congress and others are split between SP, BSP and Congress.

Muslims that form 18.5% of the UP electorate are largely with SP, some with BSP and others with Congress.

This time too, some will retain power and some will loose "long- occupied" tenures.

So, before the actual election drama unfolds in the coming days, let's take a look at the brief profile of key players of Uttar Pradesh:

In pics: Who will win the battle of power in UP in 2014?

Founded in 1992

SP is a regional political party with UP as its pocket borough and it has also made its presence felt in Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhanda and Karnataka.

 

 

In pics: Who will win the battle of power in UP in 2014?

Founded in 1984 by late Kanshiram, Mayawati-led BSP came to power in UP in 2007 with an absolute majority.

In pics: Who will win the battle of power in UP in 2014?

Founded in 1998, RLD has presence in UP only.

In pics: Who will win the battle of power in UP in 2014?

Founded in 1980, BJP ruled UP from 1991 to 1998.

This time, "Modi magic" may again bring BJP in power in UP as well as in the Centre.

In pics: Who will win the battle of power in UP in 2014?

Founded in 1885, In last 15 Lok Sabha elections- Indian National Congress (INC) has been in power in UP in 1951
1957, 1962, 1967, 1971, again Congress from 1980 to 1984.

This time Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is running from pillar to post and trying to connect with voters at the ground level by holding rallies in various parts of India.

In pics: Who will win the battle of power in UP in 2014?

In its fourth list of candidates, AAP announced 39 names from Uttar Pradesh and in fifth list, it announced nine people from UP.

Arvind Kejriwal has named Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati as among the "corrupt leaders" who should be barred from reaching parliament by defeating them in the election.

Poet-turned-politician Kumar Vishwas has already launched his campaign against Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi.

Most analysts believe that Ghaziabad is one of the areas neighbouring the capital where the AAP now wields influence.

In pics: Who will win the battle of power in UP in 2014?

Founded in 1964, CPI(M) led by polit bureau Prakash Karat has a marginal presence in UP.

Last year, SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav had held talks with Karat and expressed the need to "forge an alliance with the Left parties" to work for the interests of farmers and other marginalised sections of the society.

Karat had also visited UP after communal riots hit the Muzaffarnagar district and held talks with CM Akhilesh Yadav to discuss the problems being faced by riot victims in relief camps.

He has expressed confidence that "non-BJP and non-Congress parties would certainly gain in the coming Loksabha polls".

In pics: Who will win the battle of power in UP in 2014?

Founded in 1925, Communist Party of India (CPI) is headed by Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy.