Uttar Pradesh's political landscape is poised for another shift, with Swami Prasad Maurya at the center. Having served in three major parties – the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Samajwadi Party (SP) – Maurya is reportedly considering another party switch.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh's political scene is abuzz again, as former cabinet minister Swami Prasad Maurya, a veteran of multiple parties, is speculated to change his political allegiance once more. Currently the president of his own "Janata Party," a recent significant meeting in Lucknow has fueled speculation about new political alliances.
According to media reports, a long and serious discussion took place between Swami Prasad Maurya and Chandrashekhar Azad, the leader of the Azad Samaj Party (ASP) and head of the Bhim Army, at a private location in Lucknow. During this meeting, the two leaders reportedly deliberated on crucial issues such as social justice and bringing Dalits and backward castes together on a single platform.
Significant Lucknow Meeting Sparks Speculation
The recent lengthy meeting between Swami Prasad Maurya and Chandrashekhar Azad, president of the Azad Samaj Party, in Lucknow has injected new dynamism into the state's political scene. Although the meeting was held privately, its impact is already being felt in public politics. Sources suggest that the two leaders engaged in serious discussions on social justice and the issues facing Dalit and backward communities.
Will the Azad Samaj Party be the Next Stop?
Political circles are abuzz with speculation that Swami Prasad Maurya may soon join Chandrashekhar Azad's party. The Azad Samaj Party might offer him a significant organizational role in Uttar Pradesh, strengthening the party's grassroots presence. Maurya is known as an experienced OBC leader with considerable influence among Dalits and backward castes. His potential joining of ASP (Kanshiram) could provide a significant strategic advantage to the party.
SP and BSP Could Face Challenges
Swami Prasad Maurya's potential joining of the Azad Samaj Party could negatively impact both the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. Maurya wields considerable influence in several constituencies, particularly in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Although his recent association with the Samajwadi Party wasn't particularly successful, his popularity and support base remain b in many districts.
Swami Prasad Maurya's Political Journey So Far
Swami Prasad Maurya's political journey has been remarkably interesting. He began his political career with the Bahujan Samaj Party and was considered a close confidante of Mayawati for a long time.
- In 2012, he won the Padrauna assembly seat and became a cabinet minister in the BSP government.
- He served as an MLA in the 13th, 14th, and 15th legislative assemblies.
- After two decades with the BSP, he left the party in 2016.
- In 2017, he joined the BJP and became a minister in the Yogi Adityanath government.
- Just before the 2022 assembly elections, he resigned from the BJP, joined the SP, and contested from Fazilnagar, but lost the election.
Janata Party President but Limited Influence
After leaving the BJP and SP, Swami Prasad Maurya formed his new party, the "Janata Party." However, this party has yet to establish a significant mass base. This is why Maurya is reportedly seeking a ber, more active organization that can help him advance his agenda of social justice.
Political analysts believe that a potential alliance between Swami Prasad Maurya and Chandrashekhar Azad could reshape the dynamics of caste-based politics in Uttar Pradesh.
