Former BSP leader Swami Prasad Maurya has joined the BJP, and several other prominent BSP MLAs in Uttar Pradesh are expected to do the same, with reports suggesting the number could reach 10.

Maurya’s exit

Mr Maurya was an important OBC face of the Bahujan Samaj Party until he left it in June this year. On his way out he accused party chief Mayawati of neglecting the interests of Dalits.

What it means

His departure is seen as a gain for the BJP and a worry for Mayawati, and it could pave the way for more sitting BSP MLAs to leave. Over the past couple of years, a number of senior BSP figures, particularly OBC leaders, have already moved to the BJP.

What happened next

In the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election the BJP won 312 seats, the Samajwadi Party 47 and the BSP 19. Yogi Adityanath became Chief Minister.

See also: Bahujan Samaj Party and Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha members.

Originally published on 9 August 2016. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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