All is not well in Uttar Pradesh politics between the BJP and its allies. Ministers from the Yogi Adityanath-led NDA government have united in Delhi, conveying a message to the BJP, and now a threat to break the alliance has emerged. By showcasing their political assertiveness before the 2027 assembly elections, they have strategically positioned the ball in BJP's court.
In a press conference in Gorakhpur, Sanjay Nishad, minister and chief of the Nishad Party, expressed that the BJP can break ties if they find no benefit in the alliance. He also demanded that the BJP cease attacks by their local leaders or maintaining friendship will be challenging. This demand was not just for his party but also for Om Prakash Rajbhar’s Subhaspa and Jayant Chaudhary’s RLD.
Soon after Sanjay Nishad issued the threat of breaking the alliance, turmoil erupted in the BJP, prompting immediate damage control. Sources indicate that from the state president to the organizational general secretary, BJP's leaders reached out to Sanjay Nishad to understand what led to such a drastic statement against the BJP, especially from the chief minister's home region of Gorakhpur.
Sanjay Nishad’s Unambiguous Message to BJP
On Tuesday, in a clearly defined statement, Yogi Adityanath government cabinet minister and Nishad Party president Sanjay Nishad said if the BJP thinks they don't benefit from the Nishad Party, they should end the alliance. BJP should prevent their 'junior leaders' from disrupting the environment with statements against allied parties.
Sanjay Nishad asserted that while the BJP benefited from votes of the Rajbhar and Jat communities through alliances with Om Prakash Rajbhar and RLD respectively, he secured Nishad community votes for them. Yet, some BJP leaders continue to speak against him. He explicitly named Jayprakash Nishad, Piyush Ranjan Nishad, and state minister Ramkesh Nishad in this context.
Strengthening in the State
The Nishad Party is gearing up to showcase its strength in the state. Sanjay Nishad mentioned their ongoing battle for the inclusion of the Nishad community in Scheduled Castes. He announced that August 31 would be celebrated as Tribal Day to showcase community unity. He remarked that despite limited outcomes in 2024, preparations for 2027 are underway. They reminisce about their unity with the BJP in 2018 when Samajwadi and Bahujan Samaj Party allied.
Why Is Sanjay Nishad Displeased with BJP?
Sanjay Nishad's dissatisfaction isn't without reason. He believes the BJP promotes its Nishad figures to weaken his party. Several leaders lacking major names are making irrelevant statements about Nishad Party leaders in districts, and they get approval from some BJP figures. Former MPs like Jai Prakash Nishad and ex-MP Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti are under his scrutiny.
In a conversation with Aaj Tak, Sanjay Nishad revealed that Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti questioned some decisions, including a controversial discussion over fishermen's rights. Cabinet minister J.P. Nishad's remarks against his family were deemed unacceptable. Leaders like Piyush Ranjan Nishad, known for opposing the Nishad Party, are utilized against him, showcasing Brahmins and other BJP MLAs working against Nishad Party.
Understanding Sanjay Nishad’s Grievances
Last week, the Nishad Party celebrated its foundation day at Tal Katora Stadium in Delhi with leaders from allied parties in attendance, but no BJP presence. Sanjay Nishad considered this significant, questioning BJP's distancing from them. He has now opened a front against BJP on behalf of allied parties.
The statements made by Yogi administration's cabinet minister Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary against RLD president Jayant Chaudhary further fueled Sanjay Nishad's resentment. He perceives BJP targeting allies sequentially. Recently, Chaudhary termed Jayant Chaudhary an
