LUCKNOW, Oct. 17 -- The Allahabad high court's categorical order on October 14 directing Uttar Pradesh government to hold three-tier panchayat elections within next three months has brought rural politics back into focus after it was almost settled that the panchayat polls would be held after 2027 assembly elections.

While villages are once again abuzz with the prospects of elections, political parties have so far shown little public enthusiasm for an early contest. Opposition parties made no hue and cry when the BJP government in the state decided in April-May to defer panchayat polls, understandably till assembly elections nor have they stepped up pressure on the government to implement the court's order immediately the way they could ...