BJP reaches understanding with Upendra Kushwaha’s party

Patna,(BiharTimes): Notwithstanding resistance from a sizeable section of state party leaders the Bharatiya Janata Party has reached an understanding with Upendra Kushwaha-led Rashtriya Lok Samata Party.

According to reports from New Delhi the BJP can leave three Lok Sabha seats for Upendra Kushwaha’s party.

Though the argument made in favour of the agreement is that he is a powerful leader of the Koeri caste yet several state BJP leaders never trust him as he is known for party-hopping. They cite the example of how he re-joined the JD(U) and after getting elected to the Rajya Sabha left the party.

They are of the view that he is being given much more importance than he deserves. Had he really been a powerful caste leader he would not have lost from the Koeri dominated Assembly constituency in 2005 Assembly election, which voted Nitish Kumar to power. In fact he was the leader of opposition in the Bihar Assembly before that, yet he lost from his Assembly constituency.

In spite of this fact the central leadership is of the view that with Upendra Kushwaha on its side the BJP would be in the position to take the support of a strong agrarian backward caste. While Nitish Kumar is dubbed as the powerful leader of Kurmi caste and Lalu Prasad of Yadavs, Upendra is the most influential leader of Koeri caste in Bihar. The trading community rallies behind Sushil Modi of the BJP itself.

So now the BJP would be in a better position to take non-Yadav, non-Kurmi backward caste votes. Along with the upper caste votes and some EBC and Dalit votes it would be a solid combination to take on both the Janata Dal (United) as well as Rashtriya Janata Dal.

Notwithstanding the presence of Narendra Modi the saffron party is watching the talks of alliance between the Congress, RJD and LJP closely. The party is aware that if it clicks it can change the equation. Therefore, it has given three seats to Upendra Kushwaha’s outfit.