Rising tensions between Yogi government and Apna Dal (S): A political tug-of-war

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath (L) and Apna Dal (S) chief Anupriya Patel. (Courtesy: PTI)

The Yogi government 2.0 is facing problems as its ally Apna Dal (S) has started questioning the government's decisions indicating an increase in conflict between the two after the Lok Sabha elections.

"The conflicts between allies are not new. While differences were kept under wraps during Yogi government 1.0, they have now surfaced publicly in government 2.0. Apna Dal (S) has been vocal in criticising the government's policies, while the state government has responded in an equally confrontational manner," said political analyst Manoj Bhadra.

He said with the BJP pushed to the wall after its poor show in recent Lok Sabha elections, the allies are now flexing muscles and seeking their pound of flesh.

The ongoing friction has led to speculation that Apna Dal (S) might sever its ties with the Yogi government. Questions arise about whether the party will continue its support from the outside if it parts ways with the state government. Given that Apna Dal (S) chief Anupriya Patel is a minister in the Modi government, there is also speculation about whether the BJP's national leadership will intervene.

The conflict between Apna Dal (S) and the Yogi government began to intensify after the Lok Sabha elections, with experts pointing to the recruitment of 69,000 assistant teachers as a flashpoint. Apna Dal (S) leadership expressed dissatisfaction with the government's conduct during the elections, citing a lack of support from the government machinery.

The issues of conflict:

1.      One of the major issues raised by Apna Dal (S) is the alleged non-compliance with reservation rules in the recruitment of these teachers. The party contends that SC and OBC candidates were not given their due reservations in the recruitment process, a dispute that remains unresolved despite the Yogi government's claims of adherence to reservation policies.

2.      Anupriya Patel escalated the matter by writing a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on June 27, alleging that SC-ST and OBC reservation rules were being ignored in various government department recruitments. She claimed that positions meant for these categories were being filled by general category candidates under the pretext of unavailability of eligible candidates from reserved categories. The government, however, maintains that reservation rules are being strictly followed.

3.      Another significant dispute involved Ashish Patel, executive president of Apna Dal (S) and Technical Education Minister in the Yogi government, who clashed with principal secretary of the department, M. Devraj, over transfer decisions. Patel objected to Devraj's transfer actions, resulting in the transfer session being halted after the file was sent to the Chief Minister's office. Apna Dal (S) officials suspect that Devraj enjoys protection from higher government echelons.

4.      Further tensions were evident when Anupriya Patel publicly raised the issue of reservation once again during a programme in Lucknow commemorating the birth anniversary of Apna Dal (S) founder Sonelal Patel. She emphasized the need for SC-ST and OBC reservations in government department recruitments, a stance she was advised by state BJP leaders to discuss privately with top BJP leadership rather than on public platforms.

5.      Another point of contention was the installation of additional toll booths on the Varanasi-Shaktinagar road. Anupriya Patel objected to the establishment of toll plazas at Fattepur and Ahraura, arguing that they were only 20 kilometers apart, contrary to the NHAI rule that mandates a 40-kilometer distance between tolls. Industrial Development Minister Nandgopal Gupta Nandi dismissed her claims, stating that toll taxes were collected at only one place, and issued a press note to this effect.

Political experts believe that Apna Dal (S) is engaging in pressure politics rather than seriously contemplating a split from the BJP. The party aims to signal to its voter base, particularly the backward classes, that it is championing their cause and can pressure the BJP when necessary. Anupriya Patel's statements are seen as attempts to reassure her vote bank and demonstrate that her party can advocate for their interests, even if it means creating friction with the BJP.

Political analyst notes that Apna Dal feels the BJP has lost ground among backward and Dalit voters in the Lok Sabha elections. Although Apna Dal (S) itself is not particularly strong among these groups, as evidenced by Anupriya’s narrow electoral victory, her statements are meant to convey a message of solidarity to her vote bank.

Similarly, senior journalist Rajesh N Bajpaee believes Apna Dal (S) is not in a position for a direct confrontation but seeks to leverage the BJP's current vulnerabilities. With Kurmi votes shifting away from the BJP in regions like Purvanchal and Awadh, Apna Dal (S) is maintaining pressure to extract concessions. Tripathi also speculates that internal factions within the BJP might be inciting Apna Dal (S) leadership.

The unfolding political drama underscores the fragile nature of alliances in the current political landscape, highlighting the ongoing power dynamics and strategic maneuvering among key players in Uttar Pradesh.