UP ex-top cop joins BJP, says will follow party call on contesting LS polls

He is the second former state DGP to join the BJP in the past decade after Brij Lal, who became a party member in 2015 and was elected to the Rajya Sabha five years later.

Speaking to The Indian Express after the induction ceremony, Kumar said he long harboured intentions of entering politics but pending commitments did not allow him to do so.

“My wife, who is a homemaker, and I come from non-political backgrounds. We are prepared to undertake any responsibilities assigned to us by the party leadership,” he said.

He said the law and order situation improved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, adding that this facilitated development and provided relief to the common man.

“Our decision to join the BJP stems from a desire to contribute to further improvement and service to the nation,” he said.

Evading a specific reply on whether he is contesting the Lok Sabha elections, he stated that he would follow the leadership’s direction on the matter.

A native of Jhansi, Kumar served as the state DGP from May 31, 2023, to January 31, 2024.

During his tenure, he drew attention for advising police officers to keep tabs on moon’s phases by following ‘Panchang’ or Hindu calendar for maintaining security since he believed there are certain periods when criminals strike more. He had directed the police to identify crime hotspots and increase night patrolling.

In Uttar Pradesh, several other retired IPS officers have joined the BJP, including Asim Arun, who currently serves as a minister in the Yogi Adityanath-led government in the state.