Archive · 15 Sep 2026
BJP Factional Rift Widens in Poll-Bound Uttar Pradesh
BJP leaders in Uttar Pradesh are showing public disagreements before state elections.
In Ghaziabad, Nand Kishore Gurjar held a meeting of 36 Gurjar clans.
The meeting supported him and called for an investigation into leaders opposing him.
Another meeting supported Anil Kasana and criticized Gurjar.
Kasana said many residents and BJP workers do not want Gurjar as their candidate.
Gurjar denied misbehaving and accused opponents of working with the Samajwadi Party.
Other BJP-linked leaders also criticized the government over police handling of separate cases.
These events suggest tensions between some BJP leaders and the Yogi Adityanath government.
BJP MLA Nand Kishore Gurjar held a panchayat of 36 Gurjar clans in Ghaziabad.
The gathering supported Gurjar and called for a probe into leaders opposing him.
A separate panchayat backed BJP leader Anil Kasana and criticized Gurjar’s conduct.
Fisheries minister Sanjay Nishad protested alleged police inaction after a Nishad Party worker’s murder.
Minister of State Rakesh Rathore accused police of targeting BJP workers while favoring alleged mafia members.
- Who
- BJP leaders including Nand Kishore Gurjar, Anil Kasana, Sanjay Nishad and Rakesh Rathore.
- What
- Rival panchayats and public protests exposed disagreements within the BJP and the Uttar Pradesh government.
- When
- The panchayats were held on a Sunday ahead of next year’s Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections; other disputes occurred during the same period.
- Where
- Ghaziabad, Gonda and Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh, with some events referenced in Lucknow.
- Why
- Leaders cited opposition to Gurjar, alleged police inaction over a murder, and claims that police treated BJP workers unfairly.
Supporters and defenders of Gurjar
Gurjar’s critics and opponents
Gurjar’s political support
Supporters and defenders of Gurjar
Gurjar’s panchayat said all 36 participating communities supported him and called for action against BJP leaders opposing him.
Gurjar’s critics and opponents
Anil Kasana’s panchayat opposed Gurjar, and Kasana said most Loni residents and BJP workers did not want him returned as the incumbent MLA.
Dispute at the news conference
Supporters and defenders of Gurjar
Gurjar acknowledged entering the conference without an invitation but denied misbehaving with Kasana or others.
Gurjar’s critics and opponents
Kasana said Gurjar barged into the conference and misbehaved after leaders appealed for peace following a Hindu-Muslim fight.
Police treatment of political supporters
Supporters and defenders of Gurjar
Sanjay Nishad and Rakesh Rathore said authorities failed to protect or fairly treat BJP-allied workers, citing Sahani’s murder and Jitendra Mishra’s detention.
Gurjar’s critics and opponents
The article reports the ministers’ accusations but does not provide a response from the Uttar Pradesh government or police.
- Political context
- The developments occurred ahead of next year’s Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
- Gurjar’s meeting
- Nand Kishore Gurjar organized a panchayat of 36 Gurjar clans in Sirauli village, Ghaziabad.
- Gurjar resolutions
- The meeting supported Gurjar, sought a probe into opponents, and recommended a 51-member social-dispute committee.
- Kasana’s meeting
- A separate panchayat of 12 hamlets in Ristala village supported Anil Kasana and condemned Gurjar’s activities.
- Gonda protest
- Sanjay Nishad held a dharna after Nishad Party worker Vinod Sahani died following an attack.
- Police criticism
- Rakesh Rathore alleged that police targeted BJP workers while giving alleged mafia members better treatment.