Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Member of Parliament Ritesh Pandey made a significant political move today by tendering his resignation from the primary membership of the party and affiliating himself with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This pivotal decision was formalized in the presence of esteemed leaders including Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, marking a noteworthy transition in Pandey's political trajectory. Notably, Pandey currently represents the Ambedkar Nagar Lok Sabha constituency.
In a symbolic act of departure, Pandey publicly shared his resignation missive on social media platform X, accompanied by the succinct caption, "Resignation from primary membership of Bahujan Samaj Party." In his interaction with the media outlet ANI, Pandey refrained from offering explicit commentary on the ideologies and actions of BSP chief Mayawati, opting instead to focus on the rationale underpinning his decision. Delving into the intricacies of his constituency's socio-economic landscape, Pandey elucidated on the transformative initiatives undertaken during his tenure, ranging from infrastructural development projects such as industrial zones and expressways to advancements in education and socio-economic empowerment, particularly among marginalized communities like farmers, women, and Dalits.
It is worth noting that Pandey's political stature was underscored by his recent convivial interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wherein they partook in a communal vegetarian meal comprising traditional delicacies such as thalis and ragi laddus. Pandey's tenure in public service has been multifaceted, having previously served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Jalalpur before assuming his current parliamentary role in 2019.
In a parallel development indicative of shifting political allegiances, sources suggest that BSP MP Shyam Singh Yadav from Jaunpur is poised to align with the Congress party, a development anticipated amidst the backdrop of his participation in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra scheduled to commence from Agra today.
These recent developments unfold against the backdrop of BSP supremo Mayawati's unequivocal assertion of her party's autonomy in contesting forthcoming elections independently, dispelling speculations of potential coalition formations. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the dynamics of party affiliations and strategic alliances emerge as pivotal determinants shaping the contours of India's electoral landscape.
