Rajput Community Calls for BJP Boycott in Western Uttar Pradesh

The Rajput community in western Uttar Pradesh has declared a boycott of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates in the first phase of the state's general elections. At a mahapanchayat held in Kheda village, Muzaffarnagar, Rajput leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP government over issues such as non-implementation of schemes, rising unemployment, the Agniveer Scheme, and perceived insults to the Rajput community.

The boycott call, however, did not extend to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, whom the community leaders consider their voice. The mahapanchayat, organized by a group of 24 villages known as 'chaubisi', pledged support for the Samajwadi Party candidate Harendra Malik in Muzaffarnagar. In other Lok Sabha seats in the region, they vowed to vote for the candidate with the best chance of defeating the BJP.

The event also saw criticism of BJP candidate Sanjeev Balyan, with allegations of harassment against the Rajput community. Participants expressed anger over ticket distribution, representation, and non-implementation of schemes, emphasizing that no one could win votes by using nationalism, Pakistan, or China as scare tactics. They pledged to unite against divisive politics and bring about a change in government.

Why this matters: The Rajput community's dissent against the BJP in western Uttar Pradesh could significantly impact the party's prospects in the upcoming elections. As a dominant caste in the region, the Rajputs' decision to boycott BJP candidates and support their opponents may influence the electoral outcome in pivotal constituencies.

The Rajput community leaders claimed that the 2013 panchayat held on the same ground formed the basis of the BJP's rise in the state, and this panchayat will become the reason for the party's downfall in the region. The mahapanchayat saw participation from various organizations, including Kshatriya Sabha, Karni Sena Bharat, and Bhartiya Kisan Union (Bhanu), highlighting the widespread discontent among the Rajput community in western Uttar Pradesh.

Key Takeaways

• Rajput community in western UP boycotts BJP candidates, except CM Yogi Adityanath.
• Rajputs pledge support for Samajwadi Party candidate in Muzaffarnagar, oppose BJP's Sanjeev Balyan.
• Rajput leaders criticize BJP over issues like unemployment, Agniveer scheme, and perceived insults.
• Rajput boycott could significantly impact BJP's prospects in upcoming elections in the region.
• Mahapanchayat saw widespread participation, highlighting discontent among Rajputs in western UP.