Lok Sabha Election 2024: In a significant setback to the Mayawati-led BSP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, BSP MP from Ambedkar Nagar, Ritesh Pandey, defected to the BJP on Sunday.

Pandey formally joined the BJP in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and other prominent BJP figures after resigning from the BSP earlier in the day.

Upon his entry into the BJP, Ritesh Pandey refrained from commenting directly on Mayawati’s leadership and activities, expressing his decision through a detailed article titled “Resignation.”

He cited the ongoing developments in his constituency over the past five years as factors influencing his decision, including infrastructure projects such as industrial areas, expressways, schools, and road improvements linking Ambedkar Nagar to the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Praising the state government’s initiatives for the evident progress in Uttar Pradesh, Pandey highlighted the positive changes in the economic conditions and living standards of people, particularly farmers, women, and Dalits.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak commended Pandey’s move, interpreting it as a step towards contributing to the development of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Pathak expressed optimism about Pandey’s role in mobilizing youth across the nation and welcomed him warmly into the BJP fold, acknowledging Pandey’s popularity and his contributions as an MP from Ambedkar Nagar.