LUCKNOW, June 1 -- Even before the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly election campaign formally begins, several influential 'Bahubali'-linked political networks across the state have quietly intensified efforts to reclaim, expand or secure their political relevance through strategic outreach, family succession planning, caste mobilisation and calibrated displays of strength.

Political analysts, however, said that the influence of politicians with tainted or Bahubali-linked backgrounds has reduced considerably in Uttar Pradesh over the past decade due to stronger policing, tighter election monitoring and changing voter priorities.

Prof Sanjay Gupta, head of the department of political science at University of Lucknow, said Uttar Pradesh politi...