New Delhi: Serious questions are currently being raised across the country regarding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s ‘SIR’ process, with some even demanding his resignation. Meanwhile, it is considered likely that the dates for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for early 2027 could be announced soon.
Amidst this, political activity in UP is intensifying. The Samajwadi Party (SP) could face another major setback, as three of its rebel MLAs are set to join the BJP on October 14. Amidst these developments, there is also growing speculation regarding the next moves of Ashutosh Maurya (MLA from Bisauli, Badaun) and Rakesh Pandey (MLA from Jalalpur, Ambedkar Nagar).
Both MLAs had cross-voted in favour of the BJP candidate during the 2024 Rajya Sabha elections. The question now is whether they, too, will join the BJP or continue their political journey with the SP.
Three MLAs to join BJP on October 14
On October 14, SP MLAs Rakesh Pratap Singh (Gauriganj), Abhay Singh (Gosainganj), and Vinod Chaturvedi (Kalpi, Jalaun) are set to join the BJP. Political activity has picked up pace regarding the proposed membership drive in Amethi. Rakesh Pratap Singh has himself publicly announced his decision to join the BJP.
Reports indicate that Abhay Singh and Vinod Chaturvedi will also participate in this event. All three MLAs had voted for the BJP candidate in the 2024 Rajya Sabha elections, defying the SP’s official stance. With their entry into the BJP imminent, attention is also turning to other MLAs who had cross-voted in that election.
The names of Ashutosh Maurya and Rakesh Pandey are also being discussed in this context. Consequently, questions are arising in political circles: will these two MLAs also change their political path in the coming days?
A Look at Ashutosh Maurya’s Political Journey
Ashutosh Maurya, alias Raju, the MLA representing the Bisauli assembly constituency in Badaun district, has a long-standing political career. He first entered the Legislative Assembly in 2022; specifically, he secured victory on a Samajwadi Party (SP) ticket in the 2022 assembly elections, marking his third term as an MLA.
Speculation regarding his political stance arose following his cross-voting in favour of the BJP candidate during the Rajya Sabha elections in February 2024. It is worth noting that a heated exchange of statements between SP and BJP leaders is expected ahead of the UP Assembly elections. Disgruntled leaders from the BSP and Congress are also seen manoeuvring to secure tickets from the BJP and SP.
