At a time when BJP is under attack in Uttar Pradesh because of recent incidents of violence against Dalits at several places across the country, the induction of former BSP general secretary into the party is expected to boost the party’s appeal among backward castes of the state ahead of the 2017 Assembly elections. The BJP, which won 72 out of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats in the 2014 General Elections, cannot be certain of repeating the same in the Assembly elections in a state where regional parties like the SP and BSP continue to remain the main challengers.
The backward castes constitute about half of UP’s total population. Maurya, who has the support of his own Maurya-Kushwaha caste,also known by Shakya and Saini surnames, is expected to increase BJP’s appeal among the non-Yadav castes of the state. According to Indian Express, Maurya-Kushwaha is one of the largest backward caste in UP. The others are Yadav, Kurmi and Lodh. While Yadavs are believed to be firmly in the ruling Samajwadi Party, the BJP is trying to make inroads into the Kurmi votebank. The saffron party’s attempts in this regard was reflected when it appointed Apna Dal MP Anupriya patel a Union minister of state. The BJP has a number of leaders such as former CM Kalyan Singh and Union minister Uma Bharti representing the Lodh caste.
Maurya’s induction is expected to help BJP win votes of his caste groups in SP strongholds like Etawah, Etah, Mainpuri and Kannauj as well as of those backward castes not happy with BSP. However, the entry of Maurya may trigger some inner frictions in the BJP. His entry may lead to a power tussle between another Maurya, Phulpur MP Keshav Prasad Maurya, who is also BJP UP president. On earlier occasions, Swamy Prasad had said Keshav Prasad was not popular among members of his caste, reports Indian Express.
Swami Prasad had left BSP after accusing Mayawati of “auctioning” party’s tickets. However, Mayawati said Swami Prasad left BSP as she had denied tickets to his son and daughter.
(Sourced from agencies, Feature image courtesy:economictimes.indiatimes.com)
