Sanjay Nishad, head of the Nishad Party, has claimed to contest 200 seats in the 2027 elections. This assertion by the allied party could impact the BJP's strategy, signaling potential friction within the alliance.
UP Politics: Uttar Pradesh's political landscape is heating up. While the 2027 Assembly elections are still two years away, major parties have begun strategizing. Besides the BJP, SP, Congress, and BSP, their allied parties are also actively entering the political fray. The most discussed is the BJP's ally, the Nishad Party, and its leader Sanjay Nishad's recent statement, which has created a political pressure situation for the BJP.
Sanjay Nishad's Bold Claim - Impact on 200 Seats
Sanjay Nishad, a cabinet minister in the Yogi government and head of the Nishad Party, consistently claims that his community plays a decisive role in 200 Uttar Pradesh Assembly constituencies. He has repeatedly stated on public platforms that his party intends to contest these 200 seats on its own symbol.
Recently, during his "Constitutional Yatra" from Saharanpur to Sonbhadra, Nishad reiterated this point across various districts. The aim of this journey is to raise awareness among the Nishad community and demonstrate his party's political strength.
An Open Warning to the BJP?
Sanjay Nishad also advises the BJP to be wary of "Vibhishanas from other parties," referring to leaders who have joined the BJP from other parties and have been given significant responsibilities. This statement serves as a warning—that neglecting the Nishad Party could have consequences in 2027.
Will the BJP Compromise or Face Political Tension?
While the Nishad Party currently holds only 5 out of the state's 403 Assembly seats, it claims its community's presence is influential in over 200 constituencies. Analysts suggest this claim is a strategy to pressure the BJP to secure more seats in the upcoming elections.
During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sanjay Nishad requested tickets for the Nishad Party from the BJP leadership, but his request was not fulfilled. Consequently, he is now openly laying his cards on the table for the Assembly elections.
Increased Importance of the Vote Bank
Uttar Pradesh's politics is based on caste equations, and the Nishad community holds significant importance. In districts like Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Mau, Jaunpur, Prayagraj, Bhadohi, Jalaun, and Ballia, the Nishad vote bank wields considerable influence. Therefore, Sanjay Nishad's party repeatedly emphasizes that ignoring them could be detrimental to the BJP.
