Brahmin-OBC war may spell disaster for BJP

Before the Bharatiya Janata Party's central leadership meets Bahujan Samaj Party leaders on Sunday to end the Uttar Pradesh impasse, the saffron brigade has to set its house in order if the party intends to avert a major disaster.

Threatening to plunge the BJP into a turmoil is the brahmin-other backward caste tussle over the Uttar Pradesh chief ministership.

The trouble seems to have erupted after chief minister-in-waiting Kalyan Singh, who belongs to the OBC community, reportedly offended a BJP group. ''Only I will succeed Mayawati as chief minister on September 21,'' he seems to have said.

Kalyan Singh has also told the party leadership that OBC BJP MPs and MLAs from the state were solidly behind him and that there would be a rebellion in the party if he is not made the chief minister.

Sources said Kalyan Singh's firm stand stemmed from the brahmin lobby's reported move to stall his elevation. Among those backing the move are former party president, Dr Murli Manohar Joshi and UP Minister Kalraj Mishra, it is alleged.

In their bid to install a brahmin chief minister, the upper caste lobby seems to have ganged up with Mayawati, encouraging her to stall Kalyan Singh's chances. Disclosing this, a BJP MLA said the party leadership was fully apprised of the developments. He was confident that Kalyan Singh's elevation is now a foregone conclusion.

Sources said even the BSP leadership had to make a volte face as its own future was at stake. It is no secret that most United Front constituents do not want to touch the BSP with a barge pole.

EARLIER REPORTS:
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Mayawati-Kalyan Singh conflict plunges UP into deeper crisis
BJP sharply divided over BSP's demand
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