Lucknow, February 25 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Ritesh Pandey quit the party on Sunday and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) within hours, marking a significant political development ahead of the approaching Lok Sabha elections 2024. The BSP camp has been rocked by this move, especially in eastern Uttar Pradesh, where Pandey has strong support from the Dalit community.
Ritesh Pandey Cites Neglect by BSP Leadership:
The Lok Sabha member for Ambedkar Nagar, Ritesh Pandey, claimed that the BSP leadership had been ignoring him for a long time. He claimed he was not invited to party meetings or consulted by the leadership in his resignation letter to BSP chief Mayawati. He continued by saying that he had tried in vain to get in touch with Mayawati and other high ranking officials.
Ritesh Pandey's Move a Big Boost for BJP in Eastern UP:
The BSP has suffered a great deal as a result of Ritesh Pandey’s conversion to the BJP, particularly in eastern Uttar Pradesh, where the party has historically enjoyed support from Dalit voters. Pandey’s prominence in the area is demonstrated by his victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Ambedkar Nagar, where he defeated the BJP candidate by a margin of almost one lakh votes. According to analysts, Pandey’s decision to join the BJP may reduce the BSP’s share of the Dalit vote in eastern Uttar Pradesh, which could have an effect on the party’s performance in the forthcoming elections.
#WATCH | Delhi: On joining BJP, former BSP MP Ritesh Pandey says, "...I had been working for BSP for the last 15 years, I don't want to comment on thinking and activities of her (Mayawati). I have written in detail about this in my resignation letter. Whatever is happening in my… pic.twitter.com/PUZ13QNJZW
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2024
BJP Eyes Bigger Gains in UP:
In contrast, the BJP is overjoyed that Ritesh Pandey has joined. His addition to the growing list of notable opposition party figures who have switched sides in recent months is his inclusion in the party. The BJP hopes to hold onto power and possibly gain more seats in the important Uttar Pradesh elections, and this trend is seen as helping its chances.
The BJP is predicted to make major gains in Uttar Pradesh, taking home about 70 seats and nearly 50% of the vote, according to recent opinion polls, such as India Today’s Mood of the Nation survey. According to polls, the opposition will do worse than in the 2019 elections, with the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the BSP predicted to win fewer seats.
BSP MP Ritesh Pandey joins BJP in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and other BJP leaders.
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2024
Ritesh Pandey tendered his resignation from BSP earlier today. He was a Lok Sabha MP from Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/zfXDNshwQE
The unexpected announcement that Ritesh Pandey would be joining the BJP has led to a lot of rumors. While some analysts think he was sidelined within the BSP and saw a better future in the ruling party, others think he was offered a lucrative deal by the BJP. Although the real reasons for his action are still unknown, there is no denying that it could have an effect on the next elections.
Everyone is now watching to see how this development plays out in the upcoming weeks as Ritesh Pandey’s defection adds yet another level of intrigue to the already high-stakes Uttar Pradesh elections. Will the BJP take advantage of Pandey’s clout to strengthen its hold on power in the state? Or will the opposition parties manage to thwart this action and restore their chances of winning elections? The course of this political drama and its implications for Uttar Pradesh’s future remain to be seen.
