pdm-alliance-formed-aimim-and-apna-dal-s-up-election-game-changer

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) have formed an alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, announced on Sunday. Led by Apna Dal (Kamerawadi)’s leader Pallavi Patel and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, the alliance is named PDM, signifying “Pichda, Dalit and Musalman”. Alongside, parties like Premchand Bind’s Pragatisheel Manav Samaj Party and Rashtriya Uday Party are also part of this coalition.

This announcement comes in the wake of the Samajwadi Party's decision to call off its ties with Apna Dal (Kameravadi), citing prolonged differences between the alliance partners.

Responding to media inquiries, SP president Akhilesh Yadav confirmed that the alliance formed in the 2022 Assembly polls would not continue into the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The rift between the Samajwadi Party and Apna Dal (Kameravadi) became evident during the February Rajya Sabha polls when Apna Dal (K) leader and SP MLA Pallavi Patel declined to vote for two SP candidates.

She criticized the SP for allegedly neglecting its PDA (Pichda, Dalit, Alpasankhyak) formula in selecting candidates. The Apna Dal (K) is a faction of the Apna Dal, founded by OBC leader Dr. Sonelal Patel.

The Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh will be conducted in seven phases beginning April 19. Being the state that sends the highest number of MPs, 80, to Parliament, Uttar Pradesh will witness voting across all seven phases. The first two phases are scheduled for April 19 and April 26, followed by subsequent phases on May 7, May 13, May 20, May 23, and June 1. Vote counting is slated for June 4.