In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP is intensifying its caste consolidation and show of strength ahead of the 2026 Panchayat elections. Meetings of the Lodhi and Kurmi communities were held in Aonla, attended by several ministers, legislators, and social leaders. Political analysts believe this is part of a strategy to increase pressure on the organization and the government.
Uttar Pradesh: BJP faces increased pressure in caste consolidation and show of strength: Ahead of the Panchayat elections, meetings of the Lodhi and Kurmi communities were organized in Aonla (Rohilkhand), attended by several BJP ministers, legislators, and social figures. These consecutive meetings on Monday and Tuesday are considered part of a strategy to strengthen caste representation in the organization and government and to exert pressure. Former Chief Minister Uma Bharti and other central and state ministers were also present. Political analysts believe that this could have a decisive impact on the BJP in the upcoming elections.
Lodhi Community Shows Strength in Aonla
Ahead of the Panchayat elections, the Lodhi community showcased its political strength in Aonla (Rohilkhand). Several ministers and legislators shared the stage at this event, while the presence of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti further intensified the atmosphere. According to political experts, nearly 40 BJP legislators arrived at a hotel in the capital on Monday after the assembly session. Most of the legislators in the meeting were from the Kshatriya community, while representatives from some other castes were also present.
This meeting of the Lodhi community is seen as a sign of caste consolidation and a show of strength within the party. According to sources, leaders strategized on strengthening their position in the organization and government in two separate meetings of the Thakur and Kurmi communities. A large number of ministers and legislators also attended the Kurmi community meeting under the Sardar Patel Intellectual Forum.
Discussions Arise in Political Circles
Political analysts say that these meetings have intensified many political speculations within and outside the BJP. BJP MLC Avnish Patel described it as a normal social meeting, but opposition parties see it as a sign of caste imbalance in the party. On the occasion of Rani Avantibai's birth anniversary, the Lodhi community gathered in Aonla, Bareilly, to demonstrate their power.
Ministers from the central and state governments, MPs, and local leaders were among the distinguished guests. This increased the importance of the meeting not only on the political but also on the social platform. A large number of Lodhi community members and other regional leaders were present at the event, which reflects the caste equation within the organization and the government.
Opposition Parties Target BJP
SP President Akhilesh Yadav reacted to the meetings of the Kshatriya community in the BJP, saying that the leaders of the PDA community in the party are feeling suffocated. He warned that these leaders could join the PDA by 2027. Congress spokesperson Anshu Awasthi accused the BJP of pretending not to be divided on caste lines.
SP spokesperson Ashok Yadav says that the caste-wise meetings make it clear that some BJP legislators are feeling neglected and are not being heard. In the coming times, the BJP may have to bear the political consequences of this.
Experts' Opinion and Potential Consequences
Senior political analyst Rajiv Srivastava says that caste consolidation in the BJP is part of a strategy to increase pressure on the organization and the government. Although caste representation appears balanced at present, the BJP could face losses from the Panchayat to the Vidhan Sabha elections if it is labeled as an 'upper caste party'.
Analysts say that the BJP will have to adopt a concrete strategy to stop the PDA's agenda and maintain caste balance in the upcoming elections. Otherwise, the negative consequences of these meetings may come to the fore in the future.
