BJP Bets On New Face In State Unit For UP Election?

The elevation of Pankaj Chaudhary, considered either a strategic jackpot or a clever move by the party, raises many eye brows. No one expected that this seven-term Member of Parliament would be appointed as the state president of the BJP, according to sources. It appeared that his caste affiliation with the Kurmis, a well-off community comprising a significant percentage of the state's population, had played a crucial role in his ascent.

However, in the 2024 parliamentary elections, there seems to be a shift, with the entire Kurmi caste gradually leaving the BJP to support the Samajwadi Party, dealing a setback to the ruling party, sources say. Perhaps Pankaj Chaudhary was entrusted with the task of reclaiming these caste voters for the BJP. In the 2022 state elections, the Congress party secured only two seats, one from Farenda and another from Rampur Khas, according to sources. The Farenda seat was won by Virendra Chaudhary, who later developed close ties with Yogi Adityanath. It is believed that Virender Chaudhary was promised a ticket from Maharajganj, leading him to actively campaign in the parliamentary constituency, hoping to secure a ticket.

Ultimately, the high command approved only Pankaj Chaudhary to contest in 2024, which he won, sources say. The victory margin was approximately 35,000 votes, with Virendra Chaudhary remaining in opposition to Pankaj Chaudhary. Pankaj Chaudhary is also the owner of a popular drink called 'Rahat Rooh.' Based on this, Virendra Chaudhary has labelled him as ‘Kuber,’ the mythical treasurer. It is probable that the party use this Kuber to unlock the Yogi Adityanath a key figure and this connection is likely to influence ongoing party strategies in the coming 2027 elections, sources indicate.