In a significant development preceding the upcoming parliamentary elections, the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party, an ally of the National Democratic Alliance, has announced its candidate for the Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency.
Dr Arvind Rajbhar, son of SBSP national president Om Prakash Rajbhar, has been selected as the party candidate for this crucial seat.
Om Prakash Rajbhar, who recently assumed ministerial responsibilities, has expressed unwavering determination to secure victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party on all 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state.
There is speculation that Rajbhar may be given two Lok Sabha seats within the NDA alliance. The ongoing discussion concerning the second seat has caused a delay in the announcement of the second candidate of the SBSP.
Founded by Om Prakash Rajbhar in 2002, the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party has played a pivotal role in mobilising Rajbhar and other marginalised communities in the state. In the 2017 UP assembly elections, the SBSP, in coalition with the BJP, clinched victories in three constituencies.
Previously serving as the Backward Class Welfare Minister, Rajbhar severed ties with the Yogi Adityanath-led government in March 2019 due to ideological differences.
During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the SBSP contested independently. Subsequently, in the 2022 UP assembly elections, the SBSP initially aligned with the Samajwadi Party, resulting in a notable setback of approximately 10-15 seats for the BJP in the Purvanchal region. The SBSP secured six seats in these elections.
However, the alliance with the SP was short-lived. In July 2023, Rajbhar terminated the alliance and realigned with the NDA. On March 5, 2024, he was appointed as a minister.
Following his appointment, Rajbhar exuded confidence in the NDA’s victory, asserting that there would be no contest in the Lok Sabha elections in UP. He commended Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s governance, citing the establishment of the rule of law in the state. Rajbhar affirmed his belief that the NDA would sweep all 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh.
In addition to the SBSP, the NISHAD Party is anticipated to secure one Lok Sabha seat, while Apna Dal (Sonelal) may clinch two seats in Uttar Pradesh as constituents of the NDA.
