Setback for Akhilesh Yadav, 3 rebel Samajwadi MLAs join BJP before 2027 UP polls

In a huge setback for Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, three rebel party MLAs joined the BJP in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi on Wednesday. The MLAs – Rakesh Pratap Singh, Abhay Singh and Vinod Chaturvedi – were inducted at a programme in Gauriganj in the presence of Union Minister and BJP's Uttar Pradesh president Pankaj Chaudhary and party national general secretary Smriti Irani.Without naming Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Irani alleged that the Congress wanted to turn its “yuvraj” (prince) into a “shehenshah” (king). She claimed that an alliance of Opposition parties would not succeed and accused the Congress of creating an atmosphere of anarchy by targeting the Election Commission over the SIR exercise.“The Gandhi family does not have the courage to contest elections alone in Amethi and has to take the support of the Samajwadi Party,” Irani said.She also accused the Congress of using the poll body as a political tool and said BJP workers would respond to attempts to undermine democracy. Amethi has long been associated with the Gandhi family. The constituency saw a major shift in 2019 when Irani defeated Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha election. In 2024, however, Irani lost the seat to Congress candidate Kishori Lal Sharma, a longtime Gandhi family loyalist.RAKESH PRATAP SINGH'S BJP ENTRYThe induction was a show of strength for Rakesh Pratap Singh, who has won the Gauriganj Assembly seat in Amethi three consecutive times on an SP ticket – in 2012, 2017 and 2022. He defeated BJP candidate Chandra Prakash Mishra, popularly known as Matiyari, by 6,963 votes in the 2022 election. Once considered close to Akhilesh Yadav, Rakesh Pratap Singh fell out with the SP leadership after cross-voting for BJP candidate Sanjay Seth in the 2024 Rajya Sabha elections. The party expelled him in June 2025. Abhay Singh, the Gosaiganj MLA, was also expelled that month, and both remained unattached MLAs.Rakesh Pratap Singh has been known for street protests and long demonstrations. He has criticised Akhilesh Yadav over issues related to Sanatan beliefs and alleged restrictions on his visit to the Ram Temple. Explaining his decision to join the BJP, he said he wanted to ensure the party's victory in Gauriganj.Abhay Singh vowed to work for the defeat of the SP candidate from Gauriganj in the 2027 Assembly polls.Vinod Chaturvedi, the Kalpi MLA, cited development work in Bundelkhand under the governments led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He also criticised what he called the SP's caste-based politics.BJP SLAMS CONGRESS, SP AHEAD OF 2027 POLLSUttar Pradesh BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhary predicted a decisive victory in the 2027 Assembly polls, saying the party would form the government for a third consecutive term. He asserted that the BJP would win across Uttar Pradesh, including Amethi and Rae Bareli.Chaudhary said India did not belong to any individual or family and claimed that caste-based and dynastic politics was on the decline. He also accused Rahul Gandhi of damaging India's image through statements made abroad.BJP MP and OBC Morcha national president Amar Pal Maurya targeted Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of abandoning the socialist ideals associated with Ram Manohar Lohia and Mulayam Singh Yadav. He alleged that the SP prioritised the Yadav family over society.- Ends(with inputs from PTI)