Senior SP leader inches closer to BJP; praises PM Modi, Amit Shah

by IANS |

Lucknow, May 28 (IANS) Just days before the final phase of polling, senior Samajwadi Party leader Narad Rai is all set to join the BJP.


The SP leader, on Monday night, took to ‘X’ to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, making his intentions clear.


Rai, who was considered close to late SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, also posted a photograph of his meeting with Amit Shah on X.


Rai described Prime Minister Modi as one who has brought accolades for the country at the global front and used the phrase “Chanakya of Politics” for Amit Shah.


“Will strengthen their resolve to strengthen the last man in the queue and their commitment towards nationalism,” his post read.


Narad Rai belongs to the Bhumihar community which has a significant presence in the Purvanchal region.


According to sources, Narad Rai was feeling sidelined in the party, especially after SP’s focus shifted to PDA -- Pichda (Backwards) Dalit and Alpasankhyak (Minorities).


Rai was also apparently upset over his name not being mentioned by SP national president Akhilesh Yadav during his address at an election rally in Ballia recently.


Expressing his displeasure over the management of the event, he pointed fingers at ‘new’ SP leaders around the SP chief who “can’t even win a booth by themselves’.


In his message, he recalled the contribution of Mulayam Singh Yadav, senior leader Janeshwar Mishra and socialist ideologue Ram Manohar Lohia. In one of the messages, he said Mulayam Singh Yadav had once said that one should not hesitate to revolt if he or his people are disrespected.


Narad reportedly held a series of meetings with his supporters who turned up in large numbers during the last couple of days to gauge their mood.

Latest News
Rajasthan Chief Justice inaugurates e-Facilities Centre Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 04:45 PM
Barack and Michelle Obama endorse Kamala Harris for US President Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 04:36 PM
Jonny Bairstow not ready to give up on England Test spot Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 04:26 PM
Thomas Partey hails Arsenal to 'avoid mistakes of last season' Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 03:58 PM
Changi Airport sees 13.4 per cent passenger increase in Q2 Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 03:44 PM
46 Kg of opium seized in Afghanistan, 3 arrested Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 03:27 PM
Over 6,20,000 affected by typhoon Gaemi in China Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 02:17 PM
Massive wildfires trigger evacuations, health alerts in US Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 02:04 PM
Philippines: One killed in Manila house fire Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 01:52 PM
LIC stock hits new lifetime high of Rs 1,178.60 Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 01:10 PM
'Street-smart' Suryakumar backed to rise up to India T20I captaincy challenge Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 01:08 PM
2 Indian military teams plant tri-colour on Mt. Elbrus in multinational military 'Climb for Peace' event Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 01:00 PM
iPhone exports from India touch new all-time high in April-June quarter Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 12:51 PM
Cong never respected Armed Forces, says BJP's Poonawalla on Kargil Vijay Diwas Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 12:48 PM
MyGov turns 10: Let's work towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047, says CEO Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 12:33 PM