UP BJP chief pick a tight-rope caste dynamic walk for saffron party

Time of India

2 days ago

1
2
Lucknow: The BJP faced a significant setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in UP, losing ground to the SP-Congress of the INDIA bloc. This setback, coupled with the subsequent rise of SP's PDA politics and increased activism by Karni Sena following SP MP Ram Ji Lal Suman's remarks on Rajput King Rana Sanga, has rapidly altered the caste dynamics in Uttar Pradesh.
Previously reliant on support from upper caste, OBC, and Dalit communities—excluding Jatavs—the BJP now recognises the impermanence of political alliances. Addressing this shift presents a challenge as the party prepares for the 2027 UP elections.
In response, the BJP has adopted a more cautious approach, slowing down vital decision-making processes, including the selection of the new UP BJP chief, since the current chief, Bhupendra Chaudhary, has completed his term.
Party members and analysts are awaiting the central BJP's forthcoming strategies.
"Party insiders told TOI that the homework to appoint a new UP BJP chief has been done and the announcement could be made anytime now," a party source said.
Speculation surrounds the potential candidates, with names from various caste categories—upper caste Brahmins, OBCs, and Dalits—floating in discussions. Speculation is rife that after the new UP BJP chief assumes office, the Yogi govt might also go for a rejig.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Gandon
Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads
Search Now
Undo
Political pundits largely favour an OBC candidate for the role.
A senior BJP functionary and minister in the Yogi govt told TOI that 90% possibility is of an OBC UP BJP chief while 10% chance is that of a Dalit one. He ruled out a Brahmin UP BJP chief.
Others suggest that the BJP central leadership might choose a Brahmin chief to surprise the opposition, continuing the party's tradition of unexpected appointments.
Each candidate category offers distinct advantages and challenges. Here's a lowdown on pros and cons of each one:
If OBC candidate become UP BJP chief
Pros: It could counter the Samajwadi Party's PDA (pichhda, Dalit and alpasankhyak) narrative, which contributed to the BJP winning only 33 seats in the LS polls compared to 64 in the previous election.
An OBC chief might also balance the party's organisational structure and govt, while mitigating the opposition's caste-based criticisms.
Cons: Lot will depend on the choice of the candidate even if he is an OBC. The incumbent Bhupendra Chaudhary, too, is OBC but the caste dynamic did not help BJP win more LS seats in UP. However, the success of an OBC chief would heavily depend on the candidate's ability to inspire confidence among party workers and voters.
Additionally, there is a risk of further alienating upper caste Brahmins who may feel neglected.
If Dalit becomes UP BJP chief
Pros: Appointing a Dalit chief could help retain Dalit voters, especially Pasis, who shifted away during the LS polls and allow the BJP to come up as an option like SP and Congress are trying to woo mainly Jatavs, who continue to remain loyal to the BSP despite its repeated electoral debacles. It would also help the BJP shed the image of being an upper caste-dominated party.
Cons: The sub-castes within the Dalit community might limit the candidate's appeal, and upper caste Brahmins may remain dissatisfied.
If Brahmin becomes UP BJP chief
Pros: Choosing a Brahmin chief would likely reassure upper caste Brahmin voters and maintain their support base as many of them are unhappy with the party's OBC outreach.
Cons: However, it could alienate OBC and Dalit communities, reinforcing the perception of the BJP as catering primarily to upper castes and not addressing broader social groups.
Though the scales appear to tilt in favour of OBC candidate, the new BJP since 2014 is known to spring up surprises.