Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Ritesh Pandey, BSP MP who had lunch with PM Modi, joins BJP

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections looming on the horizon, political parties across the country are gearing up for the upcoming electoral battle. As the election fervor intensifies, the arena witnesses a flurry of alliances and party affiliations. In this dynamic political landscape, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has encountered a significant setback.

Ritesh Pandey's Defection to BJP

Ritesh Pandey, the incumbent Lok Sabha MP representing the Ambedkar Nagar constituency in Uttar Pradesh, dealt a blow to the BSP by tendering his resignation from the party on Sunday, February 25. The same day, Pandey made headlines by formally joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His induction into the BJP ranks took place at the party's headquarters, with Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and other BJP leaders in attendance.

Announcement via Social Media

Taking to the social media platform X, Ritesh Pandey personally announced his decision to resign from the BSP. In his post, Pandey expressed gratitude to Mayawati, the BSP supremo, and other party leaders for providing him with the opportunity to represent the BSP in both the Lok Sabha and the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. Notably, Pandey garnered attention earlier when he publicly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a luncheon meeting held on February 9. PM Modi had hosted a luncheon for eight MPs hailing from diverse political backgrounds.

Contents of the Resignation Letter

In his resignation letter addressed to Mayawati, Ritesh Pandey cited a lack of communication and participation in party proceedings as the primary reasons behind his decision to sever ties with the BSP. He lamented the prolonged absence of invitations to party meetings and the absence of meaningful dialogue with the party leadership. Pandey expressed his attempts to schedule meetings with Mayawati and other senior officials, all to no avail. Confronted with this situation, Pandey concluded that his presence within the party was no longer deemed necessary, prompting his departure.

Ritesh Pandey's defection from the BSP to the BJP underscores the fluidity of Indian politics, particularly in the lead-up to crucial elections. His decision, coupled with his earlier interaction with PM Modi, hints at the evolving political landscape and the strategic realignments taking place across party lines. As the nation braces for the 2024 elections, such developments serve as a precursor to the intricate political dynamics that lie ahead.