The perfume capital of India, Kannauj, is embroiled in a closely contested electoral battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP). The SP’s decision to field Tej Pratap Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav’s nephew, has sparked surprise and discontent among party workers, prompting accusations of dynastic politics from the BJP. BJP MP Subrat Pathak, who is also the Kannauj candidate, claimed that the BJP holds an advantage if Akhilesh Yadav does not contest from Kannauj, due to the limited recognition of Tej Pratap. However, the perfume industry, a pivotal economic driver in Kannauj, faces challenges, with traders appealing to the government to lower GST on perfumes and attar. The fate of the International Perfume Museum and Park, a project initiated by former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, remains uncertain due to alleged political maneuvering. Locals have mixed opinions about the election, with some alleging Pathak’s lack of action and others believing Prime Minister Modi’s popularity will secure votes for the BJP. Amidst the political contest, the perfume industry yearns for support to revive its former glory.
Kannauj Election 2024: BJP, SP Locked in Close Contest in Perfume Capital
