Ahead of polls BJP plays cautious with OP Rajbhar

Om Prakash Rajbhar, the president of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), has been a constant in the limelight due to his bold statements. Recently, discussions around Rajbhar’s politics have gained momentum after the political veteran rejoined the NDA under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
If sources are to be believed, after leaving BJP for a considerable time and staying with Samajwadi Party in the Opposition, Rajbhar’s patience wore thin. On the other hand, while recognising the political clout of Sanjay Nishad, the president of the Nishad Party, the BJP negotiated with him for a parliamentary seat for his son, Arvind Rajbhar, and a portfolio in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s cabinet. Amidst all this, Rajbhar, who still understands the nuances of his political moves and the patience required in politics, has been making frequent trips to Delhi recently.
There have been growing speculations in political corridors that following the expansion of the central cabinet and changes to the district presidents of the state, the state cabinet will also be expanded.
According to sources, it remains to be seen how Rajbhar, who is known for his unpredictability, will find a place in CM Yogi’s cabinet. Discussions are currently taking place in the national capital regarding this, where decisions will only be made after the results of the UP elections and his performance are analysed.
Rajbhar has reportedly come up with a few strategies, but now prominent BJP leaders are treading with caution. They fear that Rajbhar, who is infamous for being unpredictable, might make hasty decisions, in what is being seen as a litmus test for his support in the upcoming elections. According to sources, Rajbhar is aiming to achieve two goals simultaneously. On one hand, he is demanding the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for himself, and on the other hand, he is negotiating with the BJP for a parliamentary seat for his son. Although this ministry is currently held by the Chief Minister, so Rajbhar’s stance on the ministry is not yet clear, he still wants to take on important portfolios. According to him, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj is the most beneficial, as it will help him connect with the dormant voters of the party in the villages through the ministry, and by working for them, he can send a strong message to society.
This will not only influence the core voter base of the SBSP internally but also strengthen the party’s standing in the state. Now, it remains to be seen what decisions the BJP’s high command takes.