In the vibrant city of Lucknow, the clock struck 5 pm on a Tuesday, weeks prior to the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s 52-member government underwent a transformation, welcoming four new individuals into its fold. This included a Dalit and an OBC legislator from recent allies, and a Brahmin and an OBC representative from the ruling party. This strategic move aimed to refine the caste dynamics of Yogi 2.0 while ensuring a balanced representation from both the eastern and western regions.
Among the fresh faces, two hailed from each geographical sector, and this tactical expansion notably amplified the presence of Dalit and OBCs within the Yogi 2.0 cabinet. The party now intends to specifically appeal to these two pivotal communities as the Lok Sabha polls draw near.
The Yogi government achieved a milestone by encompassing all four of its allies – Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, Apna Dal (S), Nishad Party, and Rashtriya Lok Dal – within the ministry.
Breaking the uniformity, Sunil Kumar Sharma from the BJP, the sole representative from the upper caste in this expansion, brought with him a wealth of experience as an old RSS enthusiast. His remarkable victory in the 2022 UP polls from Ghaziabad’s Sahibabad constituency, securing a record margin of 2.14 lakh votes, marked his second consecutive triumph. With Kumar’s inclusion, Yogi 2.0 now boasts eight Brahmin ministers and a total of 22 upper caste members.
Dara Singh Chauhan, another BJP figure in the mix, a discreet convert, secured his place despite a setback in the Ghosi bypoll of September 2023, primarily due to his affiliation with the Nonia OBC subcaste.
The dynamic BJP ally, Om Prakash Rajbhar, helming the SBSP, known for its influence among Rajbhars in eastern UP, contributed further diversity. These two OBC personalities bolstered the overall OBC strength in the Yogi 2.0 ministry, reaching a total of 22. Anil Kumar, the Dalit minister from the Rashtriya Lok Dal quota, marked his entry, becoming the 10th Dalit face in the Yogi ministry, representing Purqazi in Muzaffarnagar.
Anil Kumar expressed the significance of his inclusion by stating, “In west UP, our stronghold, our influence will now complement that of the BJP, creating a formidable alliance evident in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.”
Om Prakash Rajbhar, representing the Zahoorabad constituency in Ghazipur, wasted no time in declaring that the expanded Yogi 2.0 had scripted a path for the party’s anticipated 80/80 sweep in Uttar Pradesh. Dara Singh Chauhan echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in a BJP-led NDA crossing the 400-seat mark nationally.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya highlighted the expansion as a reflection of BJP-NDA’s ‘triveni’ of OBC, Dalit, and upper castes, emphasizing the continued commitment to inclusive development. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, in regular contact with SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar, echoed the sentiment that Yogi 2.0’s expansion epitomizes the BJP’s dedication to ensuring representation for all castes, communities, and regions.