On three occasions the party has held major events like national convention or an extended national executive meeting in the Taj city, its leader has become the chief minister of UP.

"For this reason, Netaji is always over anxious the hold a major party programme in Agra which brings good luck," says a young party worker Rajendra Singh Yadav. Agra has always proved lucky for Mulayam, adds Ravi. This time it is a hat-trick of sorts.

Back in October 1992, Mulayam Singh Yadav announced formation of his new political outfit in Agra and in 1993 he was the chief minister of UP. Again in 2003, the Samajwadi Party held its extended executive meeting followed by a huge public rally at the GIC ground. And he again returned as the chief minister.

June 7 and 8, 2011 at the height of summer, the Samajwadi Party held its national convention at the CTO compound, a memorable event in the life of the party in terms of participation, to define the party's poll agenda and galvanize the organization to greater heights. March 2012, "Netaji is all set to be at the helm of affairs in UP."

Agraites have high hopes with Mulayam and Akhilesh, hoping the city would be the special beneficiary of the party's rise to power. "We have made many promises to the voters of Agra and some of the specific demands have already been brought to the notice of the leadership. The sad state of the river Yamuna calls for immediate action on the pending demand for a barrage to store water in the dry river, for the safety of the Taj Mahal," says Shravan Kumar Singh, a social activist.