LUCKNOW: After its success in Kairana Lok Sabha and Noorpur assembly bypolls, the opposition unity in Uttar Pradesh will face the test again at the panchayat byelections scheduled on August 17.

Political circles in UP are abuzz about BSP and SP deciding to support a common candidate against the one backed by BJP. A senior BSP functionary said that a formal decision on the two parties coming together for this coming bypolls is likely to be taken soon.

Byelections are due for 170 gram pradhans, 2,978 of gram sabha members, 198 kshetra panchayat, and 11of zila panchayat members. Panchayat polls are not contested on party symbols and hence parties lend their support to contesting candidates.

Experts said that the performance of the candidates, supported by parties, could be a pointer to what lay in store in Lok Sabha polls due next year. “Both SP and BSP have a significant rural base. Their support to a common candidate may be a big challenge to the BJP-supported candidate,” said an expert.

