Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad has made a significant political statement, asserting that the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya became a reality only after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) joined forces with his Nishad Party. He made these remarks while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of an event in Ayodhya on Monday.
The Crucial Alliance for Ayodhya's Dream
Sanjay Nishad, who is also the president of the Nishad Party, emphasized the historical significance of the alliance. He pointed out that while the BJP had formed governments in Uttar Pradesh in the past, the pivotal moment came when it allied with the party representing the community of Lord Ram's childhood friend, Nishadraj. This, he implied, provided the necessary social and political synergy to accomplish the long-standing goal.
"All those who sat on the boat earlier, and cheated, drowned during elections. Now, the BJP and Nishad Party are together. Both parties complement each other. This is also the good fortune of Ayodhya," the minister added, using a metaphor to describe past political betrayals and the current successful partnership.
Political Footprint and Electoral Journey
The Nishad Party, which holds considerable influence particularly in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh, has been a formal ally of the BJP since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The party currently has six MLAs in the state assembly, and Sanjay Nishad represents it in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council.
The family's political trajectory illustrates the shifting alliances in state politics. Sanjay Nishad's son, Praveen Nishad, won the Gorakhpur bypoll in 2018 on a Samajwadi Party (SP) ticket. However, in a switch, he contested and won the Sant Kabir Nagar seat in the 2019 general elections on a BJP ticket. Most recently, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Praveen Nishad was again fielded by the BJP from Sant Kabir Nagar but lost to the Samajwadi Party's candidate, Laxmikant Nishad.
Implications of the Statement
The minister's comments are seen as an effort to solidify the Nishad Party's identity and credit within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Uttar Pradesh. By directly linking the party's support to the fulfillment of the Ram Mandir promise, Sanjay Nishad is underscoring his community's role in a landmark national event. This narrative strengthens the party's bargaining power and highlights its pivotal position in the state's complex caste-based political arithmetic.
The statement also reaffirms the importance of caste-based parties in Uttar Pradesh's major political formations. As the BJP continues to consolidate its base, alliances with regionally influential parties like the Nishad Party remain a critical component of its electoral strategy.
