Ahead of the upcoming Panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh, a major split is looming within Apna Dal (Sonelal), a party allied with the NDA and led by Union Minister Anupriya Patel.
UP Politics: The political landscape of Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a new upheaval before the Panchayat elections. Apna Dal (Sonelal), an ally of the NDA and led by Union Minister Anupriya Patel, is now facing rebellion within its own ranks. On Tuesday, old and expelled leaders of the party formed a new front called 'Apna Morcha' and claimed that nine MLAs of the party could also join them soon.
At a press conference held in Lucknow, the convener of Apna Morcha, Brajendra Pratap Singh Patel, said that their front is the real Apna Dal, and he directly leveled serious allegations against Anupriya Patel. Brajendra Patel said, "We nurtured the party with our blood and sweat in 2017, but Anupriya Patel hijacked it and made her husband the national president. No internal elections have been held for ten years."
Brajendra Patel further stated that Anupriya Patel's attitude is entirely family-oriented, which is constantly eroding the trust of the Kurmi community. He claimed that nine MLAs are currently in contact with them, and they will soon meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and senior BJP leaders to initiate the formal process of joining the NDA.
New Front Increases Anupriya Patel's Troubles
During the press conference, Brajendra Patel raised another major issue and questioned the circumstances surrounding the death of Sone Lal Patel, the founder of Apna Dal. He said that the circumstances of Sone Lal Patel's death were suspicious and that there should be a CBI inquiry so that the truth comes out to the public. This statement is likely to create a stir in UP politics, as Sone Lal Patel had the image of a highly respected leader in the Kurmi community.
This kind of division within the Kurmi community before the Panchayat elections could create difficulties for Anupriya Patel. Brajendra Patel says that a large part of the Kurmi community is now with Apna Morcha, and if nine MLAs also join them, it will have a direct impact not only on the Panchayat elections but also on the 2027 assembly elections.
However, on this whole development, RP Gautam, the state president of Apna Dal S, has given a b reaction. He said that the rebel leaders are just making statements for cheap popularity and that there will be no split in the party. He also alleged that these leaders are trying to spoil the atmosphere at the behest of the opposition.
Impact on Seat Equations in NDA
If nine MLAs actually switch to Apna Morcha, it could lead to a major change in the seat distribution within the NDA and in the politics of the Kurmi vote bank. Anupriya Patel's Apna Dal S has long been sharing the Kurmi vote bank with the BJP, but if this front succeeds in forming an alliance with the BJP, Anupriya's hold could weaken.
Political analysts believe that such a political upheaval even before the Panchayat elections in UP could make the NDA uncomfortable. The Kurmi community has played a decisive role in Purvanchal and Central UP, and that is why the BJP is also keeping a close watch on the situation. Brajendra Patel's claim that they represent the “true Apna Dal” may also reach the doors of the court and the Election Commission in the coming time, as the dispute over the right to the symbol and party name is likely to deepen.
