LUCKNOW, NOV 4: Leaders from the backward castes within the BJP and proponents of the social engineering formula in the party have been shaken by the ``appointments of upper caste leaders to the top six posts in the state''.The decision of the party high command to place Vishnukant Shastri as the Governor by replacing Suraj Bhan, who had been operating with a pro-Dalitagenda since his appointment two and half years ago, will widen the growing rift between the backward and upper caste leaders.``The BJP leadership will have to explain the meaning of social engineering, which had been the theme of the party for a long time. It is high time that these things should be cleared or else the backwards (within the party) will have no option but to take the issue to the people,'' said Ashok Yadav, a Minister of State with Independent Charge.All the top six slots in the state - Governor (Vishnukant Shastri), Chief Minister (Rajnath Singh), Speaker (Kesari Nath Tripathi), state party chief (Kalraj Mishra), Chief Secretary (Bhola Nath Tiwari) and state police chief (Mahesh Chand Dwivedi) have been occupied by members of the upper caste.The politics of the state had been managed by members of the backward community or Dalits in the last 15 years. Caste considerations are deep-rooted and play a role in the postings of officials.The party leadership's latest moves have not just angered the backwards within the party. Even the Opposition has a potent weapon. ``By replacing Bhan, the BJP has shown its real face. I had been harping for a long time that his appointment was nothing but an eyewash to create an impression that it works with a pro-Dalit approach,'' said Mayawati.``Could the party leadership not find a single individual among the backwards and Dalits, who constitute 82 per cent of the electorate, suitable for any of these top posts,'' said former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh.The backward leaders in the BJP have decided not to sit idle. Sources said they are planning a rally in Lucknow.
