The 47-year-old leader was chatting with acquaintances outside his residence when the attackers, armed with machetes and sickles, launched a sudden assault.

The BSP has replaced Srikala Reddy with sitting MP Shyam Singh Yadav as its candidate for the Jaunpur constituency, according to party sources. This decision follows the conviction of former MP Dhananjay Singh, whose wife Srikala Reddy was initially given the ticket, in a kidnapping and extortion case.

Mayawati launches BSP’s poll campaign from west UP

Azam Khan had favored his associate Asim Raza for the seat, but SP President Akhilesh Yadav proceeded to declare Nadvi as the candidate. Disappointed by the internal party decisions, Azam Khan is now set to play an important role in elections, albeit, from behind bars.

The BSP faces hurdles in 10 UP Lok Sabha seats. With several sitting MPs expelled or defecting, a lack of party workers' support, and uncertain candidate choices pose challenges. With the BJP, Congress, and SP capitalizing on the BSP's struggles, the party navigates a complex electoral landscape with waning influence.

At a time when the Congress’s ability to keep the INDIA Bloc intact has been disappointing, the stake of the neutral parties, which are neither with the NDA nor the Opposition alliance could have re-ignited the hope to see a formidable Opposition at the Centre.