UP: Setback for Mayawati as Swami Prasad Maurya finally joins BJP

LUCKNOW: In what may irk former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati ahead of next year's assembly polls, Padrauna MLA and expelled Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) general secretary Swami Prasad Maurya on Monday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Maurya joined the BJP at the party's office located at 11, Ashok Road, here in the presence of top stalwarts of the saffron party. BJP president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh party chief Keshav Prasad Maurya were among those present on the occasion. "This is a new home for me. And as expected, things would be new. Till now, I was in the BSP because it was formed by Kanshi Ram ji who was influenced by Bhimrao Ambedkar ji to work for the upliftment of Dalits," said Maurya. "But I left when I saw Dr Ambedkar's mission is falling down and the BSP has become a money-oriented organisation rather than a political party," he added. Meanwhile, Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed confidence that the BJP would definitely form the government in Uttar Pradesh next year. "I welcome Swami Prasad Maurya and other supporters in the BJP. The 'jungle raj' that is there in the BJP has the support of Mayawati. In 2017, the BJP will form the government in Uttar Pradesh," he said. The Padrauna MLA Swami, who is the leader of opposition in Uttar Pradesh Assembly, had left the BSP on June 22 accusing Maywati of selling poll tickets and deceiving the Dalit community. There were speculations earlier that Maurya will join the Samajwadi Party.