Lucknow, Oct. 11 -- With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections just a few months away, the BJP is facing growing discontent over nominations, organisational posts and the treatment of senior leaders.
Though it continues to strengthen its electoral machinery, public grievances are raising questions about its ability to keep local leaders and supporters united.
Former Aonla MP Dharmendra Kashyap quit the BJP after being denied a Rajya Sabha nomination. Dr Sanjayan Tripathi, who was denied the party's backing in the Gorakhpur-Faizabad teachers' constituency election to the Legislative Council, joined the Samajwadi Party as its candidate.
Discontent has also surfaced in the family of former Union minister Kaushal Kishore. Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former Union minister Sanjeev Balyan have made remarks highlighting unease within the party.
These developments come as the BJP prepares to defend its dominance in Uttar Pradesh. Its organisational strength, booth network and caste coalition remain central to its strategy. Its immediate challenge is to prevent individual grievances from becoming a broader narrative for the Opposition to exploit.
Kashyap, who won Aonla in 2014 and 2019 but lost in 2024, left the BJP after its Rajya Sabha list was announced. He alleged that those who worked against him in the Lok Sabha election still hold influential positions, while no action has been taken against them.
Kashyap has not announced his next move. His recent presence at a function attended by SP leaders has fuelled speculation about a possible realignment. He said he would consult supporters before deciding.
His next move could matter in Rohilkhand, where OBC voters are important. Whether his departure affects the BJP will depend on his local influence and whether his followers move with him.
Sanjayan Tripathi's case shows how the Opposition is seeking to turn BJP dissatisfaction into an electoral opportunity.
After the BJP backed sitting MLC Dhruv Kumar Tripathi in the Gorakhpur-Faizabad teachers' constituency, Sanjayan initially filed as an independent. He later joined the SP, which fielded him after replacing its nominee, Kamlesh Yadav.
The move allows the SP to present itself as an alternative for overlooked leaders. Tripathi said the BJP failed to recognise his contribution, while the SP welcomed him and offered a ticket.
The BJP dismissed the criticism, saying several people seek nominations but only one can be selected. Its leaders argued that those who disagree should still support the official nominee.
The episode highlights the risks of ticket distribution. Discontent among influential aspirants can create openings for rivals, particularly when disgruntled leaders have established voter and worker networks.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.