For nearly 20 years, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ruled the heart of Lucknow. So much so, that many were unwilling to contest elections against him.
But when his failing health forced him to stay away from politics, Lucknow saw nearly 41 candidates making a beeline for the seat.
BJP leader and candidate from Lucknow Lalji Tandon's main opponent Akhilesh Das Gupta has been trying to win the city for the last two years.
Not a penny has been spared to splash his name in every household. But for a city built on culture, this approach may not go down to well.
Despite the delayed entry into Lucknow's political arena, Congress candidate Rita Bahuguna Joshi may end up being the dark horse by swinging the nearly 4.5 lakh decisive Muslim votes.
Her rival is Samajwadi Party's surprise candidate Nafisa Ali.
"If I lose, Lucknow loses. UP needs reform and I can bring it," said Nafisa Ali, candidate, SP.
There is no doubt among the people of Lucknow that the charm and charisma of Atal Bihari Vajpayee is irreplaceable and that no one can quite fill the void his absence has created.
But it's perhaps to try and find the right candidate to take forward Atalji's legacy that there is a renewed interest in politics in the city.
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