By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Lucknow: Political tensions in Uttar Pradesh are intensifying, with signs of factionalism emerging. BJP allies and government ministers have been demonstrating their support for Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Maurya, signaling a show of strength amidst the ongoing power struggle between the government and the party organization.
Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad met with Maurya on July 23, marking his second meeting in 10 days. Maurya shared two photos of their meeting on social media platform X, captioning them as a courtesy visit to Nishad Party President Dr. Sanjay Nishad, where various issues were discussed. This meeting is seen as part of a broader mobilization effort within political circles.
On Monday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a review meeting with officials in Azamgarh, inviting Panchayati Raj minister and Sudeldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar. However, Rajbhar did not attend the meeting and instead met with Deputy CM Keshav Maurya in Lucknow that evening.
A senior BJP leader, speaking anonymously, highlighted a prevailing perception of a Thakur-dominated government in UP, suggesting this image needs to be corrected to avoid challenges in upcoming elections. The ongoing tussle is being viewed as part of preparations 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 writing letters and making public statements. Political experts suggest that following the Lok Sabha election defeat, tensions have surfaced within both the central and state governments. Sources indicate that the BJP leadership is quietly supporting Maurya to counter the opposition’s PDA (backward, Dalit, and minority) strategy.
