BJP buried promise of MBC reservation: SBSP chief

LUCKNOW: On the eve of a rally to mark the 17th foundation day of Suheldev Bahujan Samaj Party (SBSP), party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar seems to be in a mood for a final showdown with ruling BJP for its continued neglect as alliance partner.
"Yes, we may decide extreme action if our workers give a call for hitting the road to struggle once again," Rajbhar told TOI in an exclusive interview on Friday evening while personally supervising preparations at Ramabai Sthal.

A number of workers and supporters from across the state including west UP, where the party did not have base earlier, have already occupied the ground for the event.

When asked about his relations with BJP, Rajbhar remarked, "On March 19 this year, government had celebrated its one year in office. I had stayed away from the pomp and show. This makes it clear."

The SBSP chief who is a cabinet minister alleged that after coming to power in 2017, BJP has buried its promise of giving reservation to MBCs within the 27% quota.

On being reminded that BJP government had set up a high-powered committee on quota within quota, Rajbhar retorted, "Where is the committee and where is its report even when it is nearing six months. The promise was to implement quota in three months."

SBSP chief said that he would decide future course of action after gauging mood of his people.

Rajbhar is also hurt by the manner in which BJP dumped his demand for a party office. "You are giving a huge office to Shivpal Yadav and denying me one while I have been requesting you for over 16 months. This has bruised me and my workers," said Rajbhar.

Shedding the security paraphernalia of a minister, Rajbhar mingled with party workers, himself arranged chairs and talked to supporters, reminding one of BSP founder Kanshi Ram.

In a bid to expand party base, Rajbhar now also strongly advocates reservation for all poor and vulnerable, including upper castes.

"Children from economically weaker sections should be given reservation and support in education and jobs like SCs and STs. Education should be compulsory and free for poor," said Rajbhar, realising the constraints of having a limited caste appeal.

Rajbhar had floated SBSP in 2002 and contested byelection from Chiraigaon constituency in Varanasi and had polled only 287 votes.

SBSP contested 2017 assembly elections in alliance with BJP and had won four seats. The party had never ever won any seat earlier.