In numbers: Pre-poll defections and the winnability factor in Uttar Pradesh
India Today
In a major jolt to the ruling BJP in Uttar Pradesh, state Cabinet minister Swami Prasad Maurya on Tuesday quit the BJP. Along with Maurya, three BJP legislators--Tindwari MLA Brajesh Prajapati, Tilhar MLA Roshan Lal Varma, and Bilhaur MLA Bhagwati Sagar--announced they would also leave the BJP in support of the minister.
Of all the recent defections in Uttar Pradesh, influential OBC leader Swami Prasad Maurya joining the Samajwadi Party may have some implications in the upcoming assembly elections. The development led to a spate of resignations by sitting BJP MLAs within hours, and if Maurya’s camp is to be believed, more such exits will follow in the next few days.
However, this is but one of the many recent instances of incumbent members of the legislative assembly or other influential leaders switching sides. While politicians jumping ship before elections is not uncommon, more so in India’s most populated state, is it just personal ego or the winnability factor that propel such defections?
