“People in the state are politically mature and they know the politics behind this hurriedly-adopted resolution of the state government. They will not fall into this trap. This move is nothing more than Mayawati’s last-ditch effort to cling to power and it is bound to fail,” Adeeb said.

The ruling Bahujan Samaj Party chief has realized that voters are disenchanted with her government and will punish her in the hustings. Hence, she is trying to distract them from real issues afflicting the state, Adeeb said. 

“She is worried following Rahul Gandhi’s whirlwind campaign in the state. The fact that the Congress leader’s canvassing is attracting large crowds has unnerved her,” he said. The veteran politician from the state said if India’s ruling Congress party declares its chief ministerial candidate before elections, it will have a tsunami effect on other parties.

Adeeb, who was in the Kingdom recently, said that Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi is spearheading the party’s election campaign in the state but people know he will not take the top state job, hence there’s a need to indicate Congress’s choice for the chief minister’s post.

“All leading parties have declared their chief ministerial candidates prior to the campaign. This makes it clear to the voters who will rule the state if a particular party wins. But Congress is playing the cards close to its chest,” Adeeb, an ally of the Congress, said. Speaking about the probable Congress names for the post, the parliamentarian said, “There are quite a few capable leaders. Adeeb, who is an important part of Congress campaign team, is of the opinion, “If Congress declares its choice, and it’ll have an effect nationally. And above all, it will galvanize the rank and file of the party workers,” said Adeeb, who has been given the responsibility by Congress leadership to chalk out a strategy for the state polls.

He said that the contest in the state is triangular and as of now no single party is in a position to claim that it will form the next government on its own. “ Congress’ performance will certainly improve to an extent that it will play a crucial role in the government formation,” he said, adding, “If Priyanka Gandhi is involved in the party’s campaign, the swing toward Congress would be unbelievable.”

He said Congress has decided to field only those with good reputation and clean image as well as many Muslims as its candidate and is trying to reach out to the community in all possible ways. 

“For Muslims, Congress is a natural choice and we are trying to convince the community that it will fulfill its promises for the betterment of the economically-backward Muslim community, Adeeb said.

Speaking about Anna Hazare factor, he said, “Its effects are more in media than on the ground. Indian voters know who is pulling the strings of the Anna movement from behind the curtains.”