Pilibhit, April 16 -- In the electoral battleground of Pilibhit, the conspicuous absence of two-time Member of Parliament Varun Gandhi from the fray has left a palpable void, yet his influence continues to cast a significant shadow over the campaign discourse. While Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Jitin Prasada refrains from direct references to Varun, opposition candidates assert that denial of ticket to him stems from his vocal advocacy for people's issues.
"Varun cannot be overlooked in this election. He and his mother, Maneka Gandhi, have wielded authority in this constituency for six terms. Varun is perceived as an honest person accessible to the people," states Maninder Singh, a local farmer.
Devendra, a resident of Bhanga Mohmaddi...