The tradition of dynastic succession in politics began in 2009 Lok Sabha elections when Dharmendra Yadav, son of Abhay Ram Yadav and nephew of Samajwadi Party stalwart Mulayam Singh Yadav, ventured into the political arena from Budaun.
Entering Budaun from the neighbouring Smart City Bareilly, the largely backward district presents a picture in contrast. The roads are fine but there are fewer signs of big commerce and unemployment emerges as the main issue, even as locals talk about an increased sense of "peace" under the BJP government.
As voting began for the high-octane Mainpuri Lok Sabha bypolls on Monday morning, Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders thronged to cast their votes claiming that the party candidate Dimple Yadav will win with three times more votes than what Mulayam Singh Yadav garnered.