In Uttar Pradesh, Chandrashekhar Azad, the emerging face of Dalit politics and president of the Azad Samaj Party, currently serves as a Member of Parliament for the Nagina constituency. With an eye on the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections, he is choosing to contest from Hastinapur, a seat viewed as politically strategic, instead of his birthplace Saharanpur or his base in Nagina. This move has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about political tactics and alliances.

The Hastinapur Assembly seat, reserved for Scheduled Castes, is considered a 'lucky' seat by many in the political arena, often resulting in the party holding that seat also forming the government in Uttar Pradesh. The significance of contesting from Hastinapur lies in its historical importance as the capital of the Kuru dynasty during the era of the Mahabharata, and locals believe that candidates from this area carry a strong chance of electoral success. Azad's choice indicates his strategic planning aimed at maximizing political gains through significant local narratives.

The decision has also ignited questions regarding the political equations at play. Why, some ask, does Azad want to move away from his roots in Saharanpur and Nagina? Speculation suggests that this shift might cater to a more extensive voter base, aiming to capture the political narrative of a region boasting a formidable historical legacy. The 2027 elections are likely to be competitive, and Azad's focus on Hastinapur may reflect an attempt to alter the dynamics in favor of the Azad Samaj Party as they aim to increase their influence in Uttar Pradesh's politics.