The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

    BJP UP chief Pankaj Chaudhary meets Raja Bhaiya in outreach exercise ahead of 2027 polls

    Synopsis

    Pankaj Chaudhary, the newly appointed BJP president of Uttar Pradesh, visited Raja Bhaiya on October 18. Their meeting was described as a courteous interaction and demonstrated mutual respect between the leaders. Raja Bhaiya has been an influential political figure in Kunda since 1993 and has maintained his independent political identity. The Jansatta Dal Loktantrik currently holds two MLA seats in the region, sharing its strength with the Congress.

    Listen to this article in summarized format

    Pankaj Chaudhary visited Raja Bhaiya.Agencies
    Pankaj Chaudhary, the newly appointed BJP president of Uttar Pradesh, visited Raja Bhaiya on October 18.
    Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary met Jansatta Dal Loktantrik chief Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya at his residence in Lucknow as part of an outreach exercise, a source said on Tuesday.

    The meeting, which took place on October 18, was described as a courtesy interaction and a "sadbhavana meeting", with no discussions on seat-sharing for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

    Chaudhary visited Singh's residence on his own initiative as part of his responsibilities as the newly appointed state BJP president, the source said, adding that the meeting was cordial and both leaders exchanged courtesies respectfully.


    Read more: BJP may drop 30-40% of Uttar Pradesh MLAs ahead of 2027 polls

    "It was a very good meeting. It was held in a very respectful atmosphere, and the response was equally warm," the source told PTI.

    Singh, a seven-term MLA, has represented the Kunda Assembly constituency in Pratapgarh district since 1993, initially as an Independent and later as the head of his own political outfit. His political career has been marked by an independent stance and shifting alignments with the BJP and the Samajwadi Party (SP).

    The Jansatta Dal Loktantrik currently has two MLAs, both from Pratapgarh district. Besides Singh from Kunda, Vinod Saroj, a four-term legislator, represents the Babaganj Assembly constituency.

    Read more: UP elections: Samajwadi Party to launch 2027 polls manifesto on November 26

    Though limited, Singh has maintained an independent political identity while extending support to different parties at various points.

    His party's legislative strength -- equal to the Congress' two seats -- and influence in the Kunda-Babaganj belt make him a notable regional political figure ahead of the next Assembly elections.

    Add ET Logo as a Reliable and Trusted News Source

    (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
    The Economic Times

    Stories you might be interested in