UTTAR Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar on Wednesday claimed that a “major political realignment” is unfolding in the Samajwadi Party and the party is headed for an internal split. Rajbhar asserted that political developments in Uttar Pradesh have now taken centre stage ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Rajbhar alleged that individuals join political parties based on personal interest, while making a pointed remark on alleged outreach involving Samajwadi Party leaders. “Only when someone is ready to be bought, people will buy them. Don’t keep your attention only on Maharashtra; it is UP’s number now,” Rajbhar said. Referring to a purported letter allegedly written by SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rajbhar said it raised serious political questions and demanded clarification. “Didn’t you see that Ram Gopal ji has given a letter to Amit Shah ji and told him that these are the names, call them and take them with you, but keep us safe. Ram Gopal ji should tell what he wrote in his letter,” he said.

 

He further linked the issue to past corruption allegations involving SP leaders. “CBI has named Akhilesh ji in a mining-related case. Did anyone go to jail in the Gomti Riverfront case?” Rajbhar added. Akhilesh trashes Rajbhar’s claim: DISMISSING Uttar Pradesh Minister Rajbhar’s claim of an impending split in the Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said the party remained strong and it was the BJP which had a history of “engineering” defections through inducements and pressure. Responding to a query at a presser on possible discontent within the Samajwadi Party (SP), Yadav, its chief, said the BJP previously succeeded in breaking several parties, including taking away legislators and leaders from the SP. “If you look at Uttar Pradesh, several SP MLAs, MLCs and even Rajya Sabha members were taken away. There must have been some self-interest, some lure or some fear... People who get scared leave their party,” he said.