BSP MP Ritesh Pandey, Previously Seen Dining with PM Modi, Quits Party, Expected to Join BJP Today

Ritesh Pandey, the Lok Sabha MP representing Ambedkar Nagar for the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has announced his resignation from the party’s primary membership. This decision has fueled speculation that Pandey may join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) imminently. Pandey, who gained attention recently for being one of nine MPs sharing a meal in the Parliament House canteen during the budget session, is rumored to be in line for a BJP ticket from Ambedkar Nagar.

Pandey, whose father Rakesh Pandey is an MLA from the Samajwadi Party and hails from a politically influential family, expressed his gratitude in his resignation letter to Mayawati, the leader of BSP. He acknowledged the support and opportunities provided by BSP, which enabled him to serve in both the Uttar Pradesh Assembly and the Lok Sabha, including his role as a parliamentary party leader.

However, Pandey also conveyed his disappointment at the lack of communication and inclusion in party matters, indicating a sense of estrangement within BSP’s ranks. Despite his efforts to engage with party officials, Pandey felt sidelined, leading to his decision to part ways with BSP.

Pandey’s potential move to the BJP underscores the shifting alliances and dynamics within Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape. His resignation marks a significant development as parties position themselves ahead of upcoming elections, with BJP potentially gaining a prominent figure in Pandey for the Ambedkar Nagar constituency.

Displeasure Voiced in Resignation Letter

Ritesh Pandey, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Lok Sabha MP representing Ambedkar Nagar, has submitted his resignation from the primary membership of the party. Reports suggest that Pandey may be poised to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) imminently, potentially as a candidate from Ambedkar Nagar. Notably, Pandey comes from a politically influential background, with his father, Rakesh Pandey, currently serving as an MLA from the Samajwadi Party.

In his resignation missive addressed to BSP leader Mayawati, Pandey expressed gratitude for the opportunities and support provided by the party during his tenure. However, he voiced dissatisfaction with what he perceived as a prolonged period of neglect within the party hierarchy. Pandey lamented a lack of invitations to crucial party gatherings and communication with top leadership, despite his persistent efforts to engage. Feeling marginalized and undervalued, Pandey concluded that his services were no longer required by the party, compelling him to sever ties. The decision, he emphasized, was emotionally fraught but inevitable. Pandey urged swift acceptance of his resignation and conveyed his sincere appreciation to Mayawati and the BSP.

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These developments underscore the ongoing complexities within the BSP and hint at potential realignments in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape.

Mayawati’s Response to Ritesh Pandey’s Resignation

In the wake of Ritesh Pandey’s resignation from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Mayawati, the leader of BSP, stated X, although without directly mentioning Pandey’s name. In her message, Mayawati underscored BSP’s dual identity as both a political party and a movement dedicated to the ideals of self-respect championed by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. She emphasized that BSP’s policies and working style distinguish it from the capitalist parties prevalent in the country.

In a subsequent post, Mayawati outlined the criteria that BSP MPs must meet to warrant candidacy in elections. She urged them to evaluate their commitment to serving their constituencies, emphasizing the importance of dedicating full time to their respective fields and adhering to party guidelines. Mayawati questioned whether it was appropriate to grant tickets to Lok Sabha MPs who appeared to prioritize their personal interests over the welfare of their constituents, particularly when they attract negative publicity.

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Despite media scrutiny portraying such instances as weaknesses within the party, Mayawati reiterated that BSP’s interests remain paramount. She defended the party’s stance, asserting that BSP’s overarching mission and principles must guide all decisions, highlighting the importance of maintaining party integrity above individual ambitions.

Mayawati’s response reflects BSP’s unwavering commitment to its core values and its rigorous evaluation of its members’ conduct, particularly in the context of upcoming elections.