‘If they make me Deputy Chief Minister, I will become one—who would pass up such an opportunity?’ Before the UP elections, OP Rajbhar openly expressed his big wish. OP Rajbhar openly expressed his major ambition ahead of the UP elections.

The game of checkmate has already started regarding the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. From Lucknow, Purvanchal and Western UP to the political corridors of Delhi, brainstorming about alliances and strategies is going on everywhere. Meanwhile, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (Subhaspa), President Om Prakash Rajbhar (OP Rajbhar), one of the most outspoken and powerful leaders of Uttar Pradesh politics, has given a statement which has intensified the stir within the entire National Democratic Alliance (NDA) including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rajbhar has openly expressed his political ambitions in front of the media and said that if he is made the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, he will definitely accept this post.

‘Who leaves the post of Deputy Chief Minister?’ – Rajbhar’s blunt statement

When journalists asked OP Rajbhar questions about his role after the upcoming elections and the possibilities of becoming Deputy CM, he replied in his familiar outspoken style. Rajbhar said smilingly, ‘If he makes the Deputy Chief Minister, he will become it, who leaves it brother?’ His statement is becoming increasingly viral on social media. This direct and clear message from Rajbhar has made it clear that he is expecting a much bigger and stronger role for his party and himself within the NDA in the upcoming assembly elections.

Om Prakash Rajbhar is very influential in the politics of Purvanchal.

This statement of OP Rajbhar is not just a general wish, but there is a deep political chessboard hidden behind it. SubhaSP is considered to have a very strong hold on the voters of Rajbhar Samaj and Extremely Backward Class (OBC) in districts like Ghazipur, Mau, Ballia, Jaunpur, Varanasi and Azamgarh of Purvanchal. The role of Purvanchal has always been decisive in reaching the corridors of power in UP. In such a situation, by making this demand public just before the elections, Rajbhar has tried to make the BJP high command realize his strength and importance.

Will BJP be uncomfortable with this demand of Rajbhar?

After this statement of Rajbhar, various types of discussions have started within Uttar Pradesh BJP. There are already many big faces in UP to solve caste equations. In such a situation, Rajbhar directly staking his claim for the post of Deputy CM may increase the ruckus within other allies of NDA. Although, the local and central leadership of BJP has not yet given any official reaction on this statement, but it is believed internally that the round of negotiations among the allies regarding ticket distribution and post-election cabinet formation is going to be very interesting.

Big exercise to solve caste equations before elections

To regain power in Uttar Pradesh, every political party is currently trying hard to win over the extremely backward and Dalit vote bank. Rajbhar has established himself as a big leader of this vote bank. His statement is being considered a part of this strategy so that his supporters and voters understand that Subhashpa is not just a part of the alliance, but it deserves participation at the top level in the government. Now it remains to be seen how the top strategists of BJP handle this open desire of Rajbhar.