The news of the imminent departure of "Chaudhary saab" from his house triggered sympathy among his voters, loyalists of his father and farmer leader Charan Singh. Old timers recall a sense of regret, even guilt, for "teaching Singh a lesson" for failing to bring roads and development to the constituency.
It became, at once, an issue of jat pride, farmer pride, regional pride. A year later, as snap polls were called, Singh romped home without as much as having to campaign.
16 years later, the high-voltage drama surrounding Singh's post-defeat 'eviction notice' bears an uncanny similarity to the old strategem -- a desperate bid to stoke sympathy among voters who just sent the one-time strongman packing.
In the world of identity politics, for a leader, hailing from a strong landed community, to have to leave his privileged residence in the power capital carries a tinge of humiliation. Singh hopes it can be turned into a community issue.
Singh's demand that the residence in question -- 12, Tughlak Road - be turned into a memorial for his late father gives away the political gambit.
If the move appears desperate, it is because Singh is facing the toughest political battle of his life. Till now, he has been retaining his bastion through tactical alliances and the family loyalty of voters. But the 2014 elections have driven a deep wedge between his Jat-Muslim alliance, courtesy the communal riots, and he has little chance of recovery unless the social combo repairs.
His alternatives too have dried up. While BJP under Narendra Modi has no love lost for him, Congress does not appear to have the pull in western UP to extricate him from the wilderness. His other option would mean going back to regional options like Samajwadi Party, which would be a big come-down.
Hence, Singh would prefer the 'house' to open the door to recovery.
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