BJP faces crisis as senior UP leader Kasyap signals defection to SP

A senior BJP leader in Uttar Pradesh is on the verge of defecting to the opposition Samajwadi Party, escalating political tensions in Rohilkhand as the state gears up for elections. Dharmendra Kasyap's move comes after he was denied a Rajya Sabha nomination, a decision that has left him dissatisfied with the party that elevated him to prominence over the past decade.

Kasyap's potential departure marks a significant reversal in his political fortunes. Twelve years ago, the BJP had reorganised constituency boundaries in the Rohilkhand region specifically to facilitate his political advancement, even accommodating the then-interests of senior party members Menaka Gandhi and Varun Gandhi. His elevation was seen as part of the party's strategic 'social engineering' in the region.

The threat of Kasyap's defection to the Samajwadi Party now poses a substantial challenge to BJP's carefully calibrated social composition strategy in Rohilkhand. The loss of a leader with his base and history could destabilise the party's organisational strength in multiple constituencies across the belt.

Kasyap's discontent highlights growing tensions within the BJP's state unit over ticket allocation and internal promotions. His case reflects broader factional disputes that have simmered beneath the party's apparent unity heading into the electoral season.