Nation edit: The future is here

Uttar Pradesh will step into the future when the Samajwadi Party’s legislators elect Akhilesh Yadav, 38, as chief minister today. This will mark a transition to a new generation, something that has been waiting to happen in Indian politics.

Of course, it is not an ideal situation. Akhilesh inherits the family mantle from father Mulayam Singh Yadav.

It would have been much more impressive had the young man won the political spurs all on his own and there were no family connection to rely upon. But there is no denying that Akhilesh contributed immensely to the party’s impressive victory in India’s most populous state.

It is more than a sentimental signature of the party when it opts for the young man. A lot of calculation and negotiation took place behind the doors before the important decision was taken. The Samajwadi Party wants to be led by a young man in the journey into the future.

It has to be recognised that he is no political novice. He has been in Parliament from 2000 onwards, and he has served on many parliamentary committees, including on ethics, agriculture, and the public distribution system. This apprenticeship should stand him in good stead.

Akhilesh has a golden opportunity, something that the people of Uttar Pradesh gave Mayawati in 2007, and it depends on him what he does with it. He may not be a nimble politician yet like his father, but he is sincere and he talks straight and simple.

This would give him valuable points in terms of credibility. He also understands that people’s aspirations have changed and that promises not backed by performance will not be enough. For those who complain about the venal Indian political class, Akhilesh presents a positive picture — suave in his own disarming way, something that the people in Uttar Pradesh seem to like in him.