Why Om Prakash Rajbhar Refuses to Ally with the BJP Despite Past Alliances

Two years after being sacked from the Uttar Pradesh government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) due to his rebellion before the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Om Prakash Rajbhar, the leader of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), seems to be inching towards his old ally again. Speculation was triggered after a one-hour meeting between Rajbhar and Swatantra Dev Singh, the BJP's Uttar Pradesh president.

Speaking of the meeting, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar described it as a courtesy visit. However, he admitted that politics was also on the table. He said, 'I come from the 'pichdi jati' (lower caste). He also comes from the 'pichdi jati'. So we often have these courtesy meetings.'

Previous Alliance with BJP

Rajbhar struck an alliance with the BJP in 2016, months before the 2017 Assembly election. The SBSP won four MLA seats in return, helping the BJP win many seats in Purvanchal, where Rajbhars are concentrated. However, in the months leading up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Rajbhar rebelled, especially due to the issue of sub-categorization of OBC (Other Backward Classes) quota. The State government left this in cold storage, and Rajbhar contested separately but was unsuccessful.

Current Dispute and Future Alliances

Since then, Rajbhar has united a coalition of smaller parties, including Bhagidhari Sankalp Morcha (BhS), which comprises organizations led by Babu Singh Kushwaha and other OBC leaders. He also included the AIMIM of Asaduddin Owaisi in this alliance. Recently, Rajbhar's son and general secretary of the SBSP, Arvind Rajbhar, released a statement ruling out an alliance with the BJP. He mentioned that the BJP sent signals to the SBSP, but they have no plans to form an alliance with the BJP. Instead, they are open to alliances with other opposition parties like Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, and Congress.

Bjp's Concerns and AIMIM's Response

The BJP's interest in forming an alliance with Rajbhar is a concern for his allies. For instance, AIMIM, one of Rajbhar's major allies, has made it clear that they would part ways if Rajbhar were to ally with the BJP. AIMIM's Uttar Pradesh president, Shaukat Ali, stated, 'We will never go with the BJP.' This indicates a strong divide between Rajbhar and his current political allies over the future direction of his political journey.

Future Outlook and Political Strategies

While Rajbhar dismisses the possibility of an alliance with the BJP in 2022, he mentions that he would consider an alliance with the BJP if it fulfills five demands, including having an OBC Chief Minister. This caveated approach shows that Rajbhar is still examining the political landscape and seeking the best possible outcome for his support base, the OBC community.

As the political scene in Uttar Pradesh remains fluid, it remains to be seen how Rajbhar and his allies will navigate these complex relationships. The upcoming assembly and national elections will likely be crucial in determining the fate of these alliances and potential political shifts.

For those keeping an eye on the political developments in India, especially in the context of OBC representation and alliances, this situation is a fascinating case study. It highlights the intricacies of regional politics, the importance of caste identities, and the complex negotiations that take place within and between political parties.