New Delhi: With an eye on the ensuing Assembly polls in politically-crucial Uttar Pradesh and Punjab next year, the BJP on Friday named an OBC, Keshav Prasad Maurya, and a Dalit, Vijay Sampla, to head the two state units. Former chief minister and Lingayat strongman B.S. Yeddyurappa was also named state unit chief in Karnataka. In addition, the party announced Tapir Gao as its new chief Arunachal Pradesh.
Mr Maurya, also a first-time MP from Phulpur, was seen as close to late VHP stalwart Ashok Singhal and had also taken part in the Ram Janambhoomi movement. An OBC, Mr Maurya is also an accused in some criminal cases.
In both Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, where the caste factor plays a critical role, naming an OBC and a Dalit to head its state units ahead of next year’s Assembly elections, the BJP has sent out a strong political message.
In Karnataka, where the BJP named Mr Yeddyurappa as state unit chief, his Lingayat caste (OBC) have significant numbers. Assembly elections in this southern state are due in 2018 and the BJP hopes to come back to power by sending out a positive message to the numerically strong and powerful Lingayat community.
Mr Yeddyurappa had left the BJP after he was removed as chief minister on corruption charges, floated his own party but later returned to the BJP. He is now Shimoga MP. BSY returned to the BJP ahead of the 2014 elections, helping the party win 17 seats.
