India, Aug. 23 -- A section of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmakers and smaller allies, with limited influence, have started pressure tactics ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. These pressure groups are being built on caste lines, while the BJP has sought to unify Hindus as a voting bloc since the 1990s.

The party's focus on Hindu unity was reflected in chief minister Yogi Adityanath's statement "batoge toh katoge", figuratively warning against the consequences of divisions. The BJP has accused its rivals of fragmenting Hindu votes. Its ideological fount, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has been at the forefront of calls for Hindu unity. The caste-based mobilisation could frustrate these efforts.

BJP's Rajput ...