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Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Why Anupriya Patel's party has placed a little-known Dalit leader at the helm in UP
Though the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections are a couple of years away, parties in the state are already jostling for the all-important Dalit vote, with a OBC party like BJP ally Apna Dal (Soneylal) that draws its support from mostly the Other Backward Classes (OBC) Kurmi community also making efforts to reach out to Dalit communities. To that end, the party on May 29 appointed R P Gautam, a Jatav leader, as its state president. Gautam is from Sitapur and currently serves as the president of the Apna Dal's cooperative wing. Since he is little known — he has not contested any election till now — the party is planning to increase his visibility among people through public meetings that party chief and Union Minister Anupriya Patel is also likely to attend. According to insiders, Gautam's name was finalised after a group of top party leaders, including Anupriya and Uttar Pradesh Minister Ashish Patel, her husband, held a series of meetings in Delhi and Lucknow over the last month. Explaining why Gautam was chosen, a party leader said, 'Other Dalit sub-castes are scattered and are concentrated in certain regions and districts, but Jatavs are spread across all 403 Assembly constituencies of the state and number around 30,000-50,000 in each seat.' The move comes close on the heels of the Samajwadi Party (SP) stepping up its efforts to reach out to Dalits and inducting Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder-member Daddu Prasad. The party also held week-long celebrations to commemorate Dr B R Ambedkar's birth anniversary on April 14. Recently, when its MP Ramji Lal Suman came under fire for his alleged derogatory comments on Rajput king Rana Sanga, the SP countered by saying the attacks were 'anti-Dalit'. Dalits make up 21% of Uttar Pradesh's population, of which Jatavs make up 14%, followed by the Pasis at 7%. While Jatavs are seen to be the core voter base of the Mayawati-led BSP, Pasis have rallied behind the SP since last year's Lok Sabha elections. After bagging the most parliamentary seats from UP, the SP promoted Faizabad MP Awadesh Prasad, who belongs to the community. Another Apna Dal said that support from the Jatavs, combined with the party's core Kurmi and Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) support base, will put it in a good position in next year's local body elections as well as the Assembly polls. At present, the party has 13 MLAs while Anupriya is its sole Lok Sabha MP. Senior Apnal Dal leaders pointed to the successes the BSP achieved when its Jatav support base combined with OBC faces such as Ram Khelawan Verma, Babu Singh Kushwaha, and Lalji Verma. The social combination, according to the leader, has been the foundation of the Apna Dal since its inception in November 1995 by Sonelal Patel who, he said, was an avid follower of BSP founder Kanshi Ram. Though Sonelal Patel did not win any election, he made his presence felt in the state's politics and rose to become a Kurmi face. The Apna Dal currently holds sway in areas such as Prayagraj, Kaushambi and its adjoining districts. Ashish Patel said the Apna Dal's foundational value was always uplifting the suppressed classes. 'Of our 13 legislators, five are from Dalit communities (three Jatavs, one Kol and one Pasi), five from the Kurmi community and one each from the Brahmin, Muslim and Sonar communities. This is evidence that our party gives representation to all the communities,' he said. Though it came as a surprise to many that Gautam was appointed, it is not the first time that the party has chosen a Dalit leader to helm its Uttar Pradesh unit. Earlier, Jamuna Prasad Saroj, a Pasi leader, led the state unit. The rejig was necessitated after the party's state executive was dissolved about a year ago following the resignation of former state chief Rajkumar Pal, an OBC leader. Alleging that Ashish and Anupriya Patel were 'ignoring' him and 'not keeping him in the loop' about party affairs, Pal had said in his resignation letter that the party had deviated from the ideology of Ambedkar and Sonelal Patel. A senior Apna Dal leader said Pal's 'odd behaviour and other activities' had led to the state executive being dissolved and claimed that the former state chief 'had been warned several times' about his actions.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Modi warns BJP leaders in Bihar over switching sides and family politics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sent a strong message to party workers and leaders in Bihar ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. He warned BJP leaders not to switch parties just before elections and then return after the polls. 'When elections approach, some people leave for other parties and return after the polls. This diminishes your significance in the party,' PM Modi told BJP leaders during a meeting, according to a report by India Today. During his visit in Bihar, Modi asked the party workers to show patience if they want to grow in the party. 'Patience is the greatest asset in a party. If you have patience, you will earn respect and recognition,' he said. The Assembly elections in Bihar, scheduled to be held in October or November 2025, will see a direct contest between the RJD-Congress-Left alliance and the ruling BJP-JD(U) alliance. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, known for changing political sides, remains important to the BJP because of his support among the Kurmi community. Kumar became Chief Minister for the ninth time in January last year after leaving the Mahagathbandhan and joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). No to family politics According to the report, PM Modi also said leaders should not expect election tickets for their family members. 'There should be no feudalism or dynasty in politics. It should not happen that if not you, then your son gets the ticket. This practice must end,' he said. 'Tell people about Operation Sindoor' With only a few months left for the polls, PM Modi gave instructions to the party workers to focus on winning every booth and tell people about India's strong response to terrorism. 'Why do party workers work hard? Shouldn't they be rewarded for their efforts?' he asked. 'Win the booth, win Bihar. Strengthen the booth, because a strong booth will ensure victory,' he added. He also told the leaders to inform people about Operation Sindoor, in which India struck terror camps and military targets inside Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack. 'Tell the people how we exposed Pakistan globally on the issue of terrorism, and the strong actions taken against it. This must reach every citizen,' the Prime Minister said.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Modi Cautions Against Political Opportunism As Bihar Elections Approach
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a pointed message to Bihar's political landscape during his recent visit, addressing the growing trend of leaders who abandon their parties before elections only to return afterward. Speaking to BJP leaders in the state, Modi emphasized that such opportunistic behavior undermines political credibility and party standing. The Prime Minister's remarks come as Bihar prepares for Assembly elections scheduled for November 2025, setting the stage for a significant political battle between competing alliances. During his interaction with party workers, Modi stressed several critical points for the upcoming electoral contest. He highlighted the importance of promoting Operation Sindoor's achievements while strengthening grassroots leadership across the state. The Prime Minister particularly emphasized patience as a fundamental virtue in politics, suggesting that sustained commitment leads to genuine respect and recognition within party ranks. His message targeted those who frequently switch political allegiances based on immediate opportunities rather than long-term principles. Modi also addressed the persistent issue of dynastic politics in Bihar, urging party leaders to prioritize merit over family connections when selecting candidates. He specifically warned against the practice of family members seeking tickets when the original leader is unavailable, calling for an end to such feudalistic approaches in modern politics. This stance reflects the BJP's broader campaign against nepotism in Indian politics, particularly relevant in Bihar where family-based political dynasties have traditionally held significant influence. The upcoming elections will feature a direct confrontation between two major alliances: the RJD-Congress-Left coalition and the ruling BJP-JD(U) partnership. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar remains a crucial figure in this equation, despite his history of changing political allegiances, which has earned him the nickname "Paltu Ram" among critics. Kumar, who assumed the Chief Minister's office for the ninth time in January 2024 after rejoining the NDA, continues to be valued by the BJP for his appeal among the Kurmi community, making him an essential component of the party's electoral strategy. Modi's visit and subsequent roadshow in Patna effectively launched the BJP's campaign for the November elections. His emphasis on loyalty, merit-based selection, and grassroots empowerment signals the party's strategy to counter opposition narratives while maintaining coalition unity. The Prime Minister's message serves as both a warning to potential defectors and a rallying call for committed party workers, setting the tone for what promises to be a closely contested electoral battle in one of India's most politically significant states.
Mint
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Former foes RCP Singh & Prashant Kishor unite: A real challenge to Nitish Kumar or just optics ahead of Bihar Elections?
Bihar Elections 2025: Former Union minister Ramchandra Prasad Singh, popularly known as RCP Singh, on Sunday joined hands with his long-time detractor Prashant Kishor. Singh merged his Aap Sabki Awaaz Party (ASAP) with the Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) – months ahead of Bihar Assembly elections 2025. The merger means political foes turning friends. RCP Singh and Kishor were known to be fierce rivals during their stints in the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United). On Sunday, however, the two leaders showered praises on each other. 'I was fascinated by how the JSP has been speaking about issues that concern the common man. We are committed to work towards making Bihar beautiful and prosperous,' Singh said as he donned the JSP's yellow scarf while being into the party by Kishor in Patna. How will the merger impact the political landscape in poll bound Bihar? Singh, former national president of JD(U), is a known OBC Kurmi face from Nalanda – considered Nitish Kumar's fortress. Singh, expert said, may help the JSP consolidate a section of the Kurmi community – known as a core voter base of Nitish – in its favour. Kishor's party may get a boost among Kurmis, but not much, they said. More than a mass leader Singh is known for his organisational skills as a strategist. 'From the optics perspective, both RCP and Kishor, former Nitish aides, would come as a stronger force in targetting the JD-U chief ahead of elections. They would try to send out a message on how two former aides of Nitish Kumar have gone against him,' said Amitabh Tiwari, political strategist and founder of VoteVibe, a newly-founded firm at the forefront of political reasearch and sentiment analysis. The Kurmi, along with sister-caste Koeri, which makes up approximately 7-8 8 per cent of Bihar's electorate, is a significant voting bloc, particularly in districts like Nalanda, Arwal, and Jehanabad of the state's Magadh region. Apart form Nitish Kumar and his JD-U, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) depends on Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) to garner the support of the Kurmi-Koeri (Luv-Kush) vote base. The 243-member Bihar assembly is voting by October-November to elect a new government. Reacting to this new Alliance, former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav has dropped strong hints that the BJP could be 'orchestrating the merger behind the scenes. "Both of them were in JD(U), one a national vice president, the other a national president. Who is getting all this done and how it is happening, people of Bihar know everything," Tejashwi said while interacting with the journalists in Patna. "If two rebels of JD(U) have come together, then everyone understands whose game this is. We don't need to say much. People are watching everything," he said. RCP Singh is a 1984-batch IAS officer who first came in touch with Nitish in 2001 when the JD (U) chief was Union Minister of Railways Minister. When Nitish became Bihar CM in 2005, RCP Singh was transferred to Bihar next year as a civil servant. Later, Singh went on to be known one of the most powerful bureaucrat in Bihar and a key Nitish aide. In 2010, Singh took voluntary retirement from the civil services and formally joined the JD(U) where he went on to be known as an organisational man who functioned from behind the scene. In 2018, Kishor, the political strategist-turned-politician, joined the JD(U) as its national vice-president. It is said that Kishor's joining didn't go well with RCP Singh as he felt insecure. RCP Singh however continued to call the shots in the JD(U) A 'cold war' ensued between Kishor and RCP Singh. Kishor quit the JD(U) in January 2020 and eventually launched his political party Jan Suraaj Party in October 2024 RCP Singh, however, rose to become the JD(U) national president. In July 2021, RCP Singh recommended himself for the lone Union Cabinet berth from the party's quota in the second Narendra Modi government. This perhaps upset Lalan Singh, the defacto number 2 in JD(U) RCP Singh resigned from Union Cabinet in 2022 and later from the JD(U) after he was overlooked for renomination to the Rajya Sabha. HE joined the BJP in May 2023. Nitish returned to the NDA in January 2024. Singh floated his Aap Sabki Awaaz Party last November. After joining forces the two new friends in Bihar are expected to escalate their attack on Nitish Kumar. Kishor had planned to launch a signature campaign in Nalanda, protesting the state government's alleged failure to deliver on its promise of ₹ 2 lakh to 94 lakh poor families. However, he was barred from entering the village.
Mint
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Former foes RCP Singh & Prashant Kishor unite: A real challenge to Nitish Kumar or just optics ahead of Bihar Election?
Bihar Elections 2025: Former Union minister Ramchandra Prasad Singh, popularly known as RCP Singh, on Sunday joined hands with his long-time detractor Prashant Kishor. Singh merged his Aap Sabki Awaaz Party (ASAP) with the Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) – months ahead of Bihar Assembly elections 2025. The merger means political foes turning friends. RCP Singh and Kishor were known to be fierce rivals during their stints in the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (Uinted). On Sunday, however, the two leaders showered praises on each other. 'I was fascinated by how the JSP has been speaking about issues that concern the common man. We are committed to work towards making Bihar beautiful and prosperous,' Singh said as he donned the JSP's yellow scarf while being into the party by Kishor in Patna. How will the merger impact the political landscape in poll bound Bihar? Singh, former national president of JD(U), is a known OBC Kurmi face from Nalanda – considered Nitish Kumar's fortress. Singh, expert said, may help the JSP consolidate a section of the Kurmi community – known as a core voter base of Nitish – in its favour. Kishor's party may get a boost among Kurmis, but not much, they said. More than a mass leader Singh is known for his organisational skills as a strategist. 'From the optics perspective, both RCP and Kishor, former Nitish aides, would come as a stronger force in targetting the JD-U chief ahead of elections. They would try to send out a message on how two former aides of Nitish Kumar have gone against him,' said Amitabh Tiwari, political strategist and founder of VoteVibe, a newly-founded firm at the forefront of political reasearch and sentiment analysis. The Kurmi, along with sister-caste Koeri, which makes up approximately 7-8 8 per cent of Bihar's electorate, is a significant voting bloc, particularly in districts like Nalanda, Arwal, and Jehanabad of the state's Magadh region. Apart form Nitish Kumar and his JD-U, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) depends on Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) to garner the support of the Kurmi-Koeri (Luv-Kush) vote base. The 243-member Bihar assembly is voting by October-November to elect a new government. Reacting to this new alliance, former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav has dropped strong hints that the BJP could be 'orchestrating the merger behind the scenes. "Both of them were in JD(U), one a national vice president, the other a national president. Who is getting all this done and how it is happening, people of Bihar know everything," Tejashwi said while interacting with the journalists in Patna. "If two rebels of JD(U) have come together, then everyone understands whose game this is. We don't need to say much. People are watching everything," he said. RCP Singh is a 1984-batch IAS officer with 28 years of administrative experience. He first came in touch with Nitish in 2001 when the JD (U) chief was Union Minister of Railways Minister between 2001 and 2004. When Nitish became Bihar CM in 2005, RCP Singh was transferred to Bihar next year as a civil servant. Later, Singh went on to be known one of the most powerful bureaucrat in Bihar and a key Nitish aide. In 2010, Singh took voluntary retirement from the civil services and formally joined the JD(U) where he went on to be known as an organisational man who functioned from behind the scene. In 2018, Kishor, the political strategist-turned-politician joined the JD(U) as its national vice-president. It is said that Kishor's joining didn't go well with RCP Singh as he felt insecure. RCP Singh however continued to call the shots in the JD(U) A 'cold war' ensued between Kishor and RSP Singh. Kishor quit the JD(U) in January 2020 and eventually launched his political party Jan Suraaj Party in October 2024 RCP Singh, however, rose to become the JD(U) national president. In July 2021, RCP Singh recommended himself for the lone Union Cabinet berth from the party's quota in the second Narendra Modi government. This perhaps upset Lalan Singh, the defacto number 2 in JD(U) RCP Singh resigned from Union Cabinet in 2022 and later from the JD(U) after he was overlooked for renomination to the Rajya Sabha. RCP had been a Rajya Sabha member since 2010. Singh joined the BJP in May 2023. Nitish returned to the NDA in January 2024. Singh floated his Aap Sabki Awaaz Party last November. After joining forces the two new friends in Bihar are expected to escalate their attack on Nitish Kumar. Kishor had planned to launch a signature campaign in Nalanda, protesting the state government's alleged failure to deliver on its promise of ₹ 2 lakh to 94 lakh poor families. However, he was barred from entering the village. 'As for impact on ground, I do not see that happening much. No matter what the perceptions says, Nitish Kumar is arguably the tallest Kurmi leader in Bihar as of now,' Tiwari said.
