In a significant political move, Uttar Pradesh BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary met with the party's former national general secretary of the Scheduled Caste wing, Diwakar Seth, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. This meeting forms a key part of Chaudhary's ongoing outreach to BJP old guards, aiming to secure crucial organizational support for the party.
Meeting Aims to Strengthen Dalit Support
Diwakar Seth, a Jatav Dalit leader, has a long history of association with senior BJP figures, including former President Ram Nath Kovind and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. However, due to ill health, Seth has remained distant from active party politics for several years. The idea for this meeting was reportedly proposed by functionaries within the BJP's SC wing, as the party intensifies its efforts to consolidate Dalit support across the state.
Chaudhary's Statement on Party Loyalty
During the meeting, Chaudhary emphasized the BJP's commitment to its dedicated workers. He stated, "The party will always be grateful to the workers who nurtured it during difficult times by dedicating their energy, time, and resources to the organisation. BJP not only remembers its workers but also stands by them like a family in their joys and sorrows." This sentiment underscores the party's focus on maintaining strong internal bonds.
Strategic Importance of the Meeting
Political analysts view this meeting as a strategic signal from Chaudhary, highlighting continuity with the BJP's long-standing Dalit outreach narrative. By engaging with Seth, a veteran Dalit leader with deep ideological roots in the party, Chaudhary reinforces the BJP's commitment to this crucial voter base.
Context of Dalit-OBC Coalition
The meeting gains added significance against the backdrop of the BJP's renewed focus on strengthening the Dalit-OBC social coalition. This move is seen as a direct response to the opposition's PDA (Picchda–Dalit–Alpsankhyak) pitch, which impacted the party's performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Analysts note that Seth's Jatav identity is particularly resonant, as Jatavs have traditionally been a core support base for the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
Symbolic Engagement with Jatav Leaders
Any engagement with influential Jatav leaders, even if symbolic, allows the BJP to project an image of inclusivity and historical association with the Dalit community. Dalits constitute approximately 21% of the total voters in Uttar Pradesh, making their support vital for electoral success. This outreach effort aims to bridge gaps and build trust within this demographic.
Chaudhary's Broader Outreach Efforts
Since assuming the role of UP BJP president last month, Pankaj Chaudhary has been actively meeting with party veterans. His recent visits included:
- Ayodhya, where he met former UP BJP president Vinay Katiyar.
- Mirzapur, where he met former UP BJP president OP Singh.
Both Katiyar and Singh belong to the Kurmi community, similar to Chaudhary, indicating a balanced approach to engaging various caste groups within the party's fold.
This series of meetings reflects a concerted effort to unify the party's base and strengthen its organizational framework ahead of future political challenges.
