SBSP warns BJP against Bihar parties entering Uttar Pradesh
The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party has threatened to explore other options if Bihar-based allies expand into Uttar Pradesh.
The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) has indicated it will oppose attempts by Bihar-based parties to expand into Uttar Pradesh, according to The Indian Express. The NDA ally stated it would not permit the entry of these parties into the state ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for early next year.
SBSP national general secretary Arvind Rajbhar said that the party would not allow Bihar's entry into Uttar Pradesh, regardless of the party involved. He noted that the SBSP would consider other options if such moves occur, adding that they were not allowed to be part of the NDA in Bihar.
The tension follows moves by Lok Janshakti (Ram Vilas) (LJP (RV)) and the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) to explore political options in Uttar Pradesh. LJP (RV) president Chirag Paswan is set to begin the party's Nav Sankalpa Mahasabha campaign from Varanasi on Thursday, while JD(U) leader and Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar is expected to visit the state soon.
The BJP faces the challenge of managing these competing ambitions among its allies. BJP national president Nitin Nabin is currently in Gorakhpur for a two-day visit and is expected to meet MLAs from the NISHAD Party and Apna Dal (Soneylal).
The SBSP and BJP have been allies since 2023, though the relationship has been described as uneasy. The BJP has not commented on the statements made by the SBSP.