The anointment of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari as the president of the Delhi unit of the party might be aimed at wooing the influential Brahmin community, as well as the voters in the electorally crucial Poorvanchal (eastern) region of Uttar Pradesh in the forthcoming assembly polls in the state that are due early next year.
Tiwari, who was a well known Bhojpuri film actor and singer, is hugely popular in the eastern UP districts of Ballia, Ghazipur, Azamgarh, Mau, Deoria and some others, and the saffron party may be seeking to use the same to its advantage in the elections.
Own-caste politics
State BJP leaders feel the film actor-turned-politician’s elevation, considering the fact that he hails from the Brahmin community, could help the party consolidate its support base in the community.
“Tiwari’s anointment will certainly have an impact on the region as well as on Brahmin voters. He is quite popular in the region, especially among the youth,” said a senior state BJP leader while speaking to DH.
“Poorvanchal is very important for us. A victory in the eastern region can catapult us to power,” the leader added.
He also said Tiwari could also help the party counter the Congress’ attempt to woo the Brahmin voters by declaring Sheila Dixit its chief ministerial nominee in the UP assembly polls.
Tiwari is also associated with several Bhojpuri social organisations and is a regular visitor to the programs held in the region.
BJP has been focusing on the eastern region, which has 128 assembly seats, with senior leaders, including party president Amit Shah, has addressing a series of rallies there.
Even Prime minister Narendra Modi has addressed public meetings in Ghazipur and Kushinagar districts.
Tiwari had contested the 2009 Lok Sabha elections from Gorakhpur representing the Samajwadi Party, but had lost to firebrand BJP leader Mahant Adityanath.
Published 02 December 2016, 09:47 IST