Naseemuddin Siddiqui Bolsters Samajwadi Party Ranks in Major Political Shift
In a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, former Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) heavyweight Naseemuddin Siddiqui formally joined the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Sunday. The veteran leader, who had recently departed from the Congress party, was inducted alongside his wife and a contingent of former MLAs and senior political figures at a press conference held at the SP headquarters in Lucknow.
Akhilesh Yadav Hails Strengthening of PDA Alliance
Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav personally escorted Siddiqui to the event, marking the occasion as a pivotal development for the party's PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) coalition. In his welcoming address, Yadav emphasized the deepening bond between the Bahujan Samaj and the Samajwadi Party, stating, "Bahujan Samaj aur Samajwadi Party ka rishta gehra hota ja raha hai" (The relationship between members of the Bahujan Samaj and the Samajwadi Party is growing stronger). He described the inductions as a "big" strategic move that would significantly enhance the PDA's momentum toward victory in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Naseemuddin Siddiqui's Political Journey and Motivations
Naseemuddin Siddiqui, aged 66, is a founding member of the BSP and served as a minister in four separate cabinets under former Chief Minister Mayawati. His political career spans decades, during which he emerged as the prominent Muslim face of the BSP, particularly during Mayawati's administration from 2007 onward. Siddiqui initially entered the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1991, representing his native Banda district, and remained a close confidant of Mayawati from her early political days.
However, following the BSP's electoral decline, Siddiqui shifted allegiance to the Congress party ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, only to leave recently citing neglect and lack of visibility. Despite efforts by senior Congress leaders to retain him with promises of greater involvement, Siddiqui proceeded with his decision to join the SP.
Key Figures Joining Samajwadi Party Alongside Siddiqui
The induction ceremony saw a notable gathering of political veterans aligning with the Samajwadi Party. The list of new members includes:
- Naseemuddin Siddiqui's wife, who joined the party concurrently.
- Former MLA from Pratapgarh, Rajkumar.
- Ex-MLA from Deoria, Dinanath Kushwaha.
- Former BSP minister Anees Ahmed, also known as Phool Babu.
- Danish Khan, adding to the party's ranks.
- A group of women leaders: Rachna Pal, Husna Siddiqui, Poonam Pal, and Alka.
Political Implications and Siddiqui's Statement
Siddiqui's move has generated considerable curiosity within political circles, given that both the Congress and SP are key constituents of the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh. This cross-alliance shift underscores the dynamic and fluid nature of state politics. In his address, Siddiqui expressed longstanding respect for SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, invoking socialist ideologue Ram Manohar Lohia, and acknowledged his admiration for Akhilesh Yadav's leadership.
"I have a long-standing relationship with Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav and have great respect for him and will also follow his leadership. There are a host of senior leaders in SP and we must work together to add more strength to the party," Siddiqui stated, affirming his commitment to collaborative efforts within the SP framework.
Broader Context of BSP Exodus and Future Outlook
Siddiqui's transition mirrors a broader trend of top BSP leaders switching loyalties amid the party's political downturn. His induction into the SP is viewed as a strategic acquisition that could bolster the party's outreach to Muslim and Bahujan communities, essential for the PDA's electoral strategy. As Uttar Pradesh gears up for the 2027 Assembly elections, this development signals a consolidation of opposition forces and potentially reshapes the political landscape in the state.
