Political-Sparks traces up in Uttar Pradesh, BJP exhibits support to Deputy CM Keshav Maurya!
Political tensions in Uttar Pradesh are escalating, with BJP allies and government ministers showing strong support for Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Maurya amidst an ongoing power struggle between the government and the party organization
This factionalism is highlighted by Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad’s recent meeting with Keshav Maurya, marking their second encounter in ten days. Maurya posted photos of their meeting on social media, describing it as a courtesy visit with Nishad Party President Dr. Sanjay Nishad to discuss various issues. This meeting is part of a broader mobilization effort within political circles. A senior BJP leader, speaking anonymously, noted a prevailing perception of a Thakur-dominated government in UP, suggesting the need to address this image to avoid challenges in upcoming elections. The ongoing tussle is seen as an effort to position Maurya as the prominent OBC face in the state. BJP allies in UP have been vocal against the Yogi government, with national presidents making public statements and writing letters. After the Lok Sabha election defeat, tensions have surfaced within the central and state governments. Sources indicate that the BJP leadership quietly supports Keshav Maurya in countering the opposition’s PDA (backward, Dalit, and minority) strategy. On June 27, Apna Dal chief Anupriya Patel accused the Yogi government of discriminating in the OBC reservation, claiming Dalits were unfairly denied jobs. The implications of this ongoing power struggle for the upcoming elections are significant, as it could potentially reshape the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh.
Sanjay Nishad criticized CM Yogi’s bulldozer policy and the government’s OBC reservation policies. RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary opposed a government directive related to the Kanwar Yatra, and SBSP chief OP Rajbhar supported Keshav Maurya’s assertion that the organization is more important than the government. Keshav Maurya, the BJP’s state president during the 2017 UP assembly elections, achieved significant success but did not secure the Chief Minister position, which went to Yogi Adityanath. Maurya settled for the Deputy CM role, and reports of discord between him and Yogi have surfaced frequently. In the 2022 assembly elections, Maurya lost his Sirathu seat, weakening his standing. However, following the Lok Sabha elections, Yogi’s influence within the party is perceived to wane, reigniting discussions of differences between the two leaders. On July 14, Maurya reaffirmed his commitment to party workers, indicating his longstanding dissatisfaction with the current leadership dynamics. The political landscape in Uttar Pradesh is marked by a growing divide between the Yogi Adityanath government and its allies, who are increasingly and significantly rallying behind Keshav Maurya. As the brawl continues, the implications for the upcoming elections and the internal balance of power within the BJP remain to be seen.