BJP loses former MP Dharmendra Kashyap to Samajwadi Party ahead of UP polls

Dharmendra Kashyap, a former member of parliament from the BJP, formally joined the Samajwadi Party on Wednesday, marking a notable defection ahead of elections in Uttar Pradesh. The move follows his resignation from the ruling party and a meeting with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow, where Kashyap formally accepted membership in the regional opposition outfit.

Kashyap's departure from the BJP comes after weeks of speculation about his political future. The former lawmaker had posted cryptic social media messages hinting at his exit from the saffron party, with multiple reports suggesting meetings between him and Yadav in recent weeks. His defection adds to the political churning in Uttar Pradesh as parties position themselves for the critical electoral battle.

The timing of Kashyap's switch is significant for both parties. While the defection represents a loss for the BJP's organizational strength in the state, the Samajwadi Party appears to be consolidating opposition forces ahead of the polls. Regional parties have been actively seeking to strengthen their ranks with prominent political figures to challenge the BJP's electoral dominance in India's most populous state.