Yellow gamcha diplomacy: Om Prakash Rajbhar tells party workers to be unafraid of cops

Two days after assuming ministerial responsibilities in the Yogi government, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (Subhashpa) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar, who is well known for his outspoken demeanor, altered his tone. OP Rajbhar says that he is no less than a lion. 

The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party's chief asserted that the most influential figures in the country are the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and the Chief Minister, aligning himself with their authority. Rajbhar proudly proclaimed his earlier declaration of becoming a minister, now validated.

He also positioned himself as wielding power comparable to that of the Chief Minister, Rajbhar advised his party workers to symbolically wear yellow gamcha (towel) instead of white when visiting police stations. He reasoned that this gesture would prompt inspectors to recognize his influence, implying that they wouldn't dare challenge his directives.

Rajbhar declared his readiness to address any issues his supporters encountered, urging them to invoke his name at police stations for any kind of assistance.

'I am Babbar Sher': Om Parkesh Rajbhar

Drawing an analogy from the iconic film 'Sholay,' Rajbhar likened himself to the formidable character Gabbar Singh, reinforcing his image as a force to be reckoned with. His directive to refrain from white gamcha in favor of yellow ones symbolized not just a change in attire but a demonstration of allegiance and authority.

Rajbhar's prominence surged as he took his oath as a Cabinet Minister during the recent expansion of the Uttar Pradesh cabinet. Alongside him, BJP leaders Dara Singh, Sunil Sharma, and Rashtriya Lok Dal's Anil Kumar sworn in as the cabinet minister.

Om Prakash Rajbhar holds the key 

Representing the Zahoorabad constituency in Ghazipur district, Rajbhar holds sway among the Rajbhar community, constituting 12% of Uttar Pradesh's population. Following a tumultuous alliance with the Samajwadi Party in the 2022 assembly elections, Rajbhar's party secured six assembly seats before severing ties with Akhilesh Yadav's party. After that, SubhaSP aligned itself with the BJP-led NDA.

Further adding to the political landscape, reports emerge of Rajbhar's son, Arvind Rajbhar, eyeing the Ghosi Lok Sabha seat. He claimed that he was getting an offer of Rs 50 crore. 

Meanwhile, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) prepares to contest the Ghosi Lok Sabha seat under its own banner, wielding the symbolic 'stick' as its electoral emblem.