Kalyan effect triggers BJP meltdown in state

“These units have been dissolved following instructions from the party high command. We do not want any indiscipline in the party and hence,such decisions are being taken,” BJP state president Ramapati Ram Tripathi said.

Bulandshahr has been a major bone of contention between Singh and the BJP. Ever since Ashok Pradhan’s candidature was announced for the Lok Sabha polls,hundreds of BJP workers,known to be strong supporters of Singh,were seen burning Pradhan’s effigies. Aligarh and Kasganj seats too are said to be strongly influenced by the recent events.

According to senior BJP leaders,a large number of Singh’s supporters have already begun meeting him ever since he announced his resignation. “In the wake of the Lok Sabha elections,such acts are hampering our preparations. Some of these workers are not even attending regular meetings since the last three days,” said a senior leader.

New saffron face in UP
Even as the news of the BJP looking for a face to counter Kalyan Singh started making its rounds,former party MP and once a close associate of Singh,Sacchidanand Sakshi Maharaj has entered the picture. Maharaj was in the state capital on Thursday. According to sources,he may turn out to be the OBC Lodh face to represent the BJP,following Singh’s departure. Speaking to mediapersons,Maharaj said he certainly has an influence over Lodh votes,“who will not support Kalyan Singh anymore”. He added: “By joining hands with Mulayam Singh,Kalyan Singh has done a major blunder. His political career will now come to an end.” Maharaj further said he has been meeting leaders from both the BJP and the BSP.