In a dramatic twist ahead of the Uttar Pradesh by-elections, political turmoil has erupted in Purvanchal, with BJP MLA Fateh Bahadur Singh at the center of the storm. Singh, representing Campierganj in Gorakhpur, has accused local figure Rajiv Ranjan Chaudhary of plotting to assassinate him. Chaudhary, who describes himself as a “Yogi Sevak,” allegedly raised one crore rupees to carry out the murder.
The controversy began when Singh submitted a letter to the Home Minister, BJP National President, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, requesting enhanced security. His allegations have caused ripples across the political landscape of UP and beyond. Singh’s plea for protection has drawn significant attention, and he has demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) handle the case, alleging that the local Gorakhpur police are complicit in the plot against him.
Gorakhpur’s District Magistrate Krishna Karunesh and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr. Gaurav Grover confirmed receiving Singh’s application. According to their statement, Singh had alleged that Chaudhary was collecting donations to finance an assassination attempt. In response to these threats, Singh has been provided with Y-plus security, involving 11 security personnel, and his protection is continuously reviewed.
The situation has become more tangled as Chaudhary, who has a criminal record and is a former ally of Singh, has launched a counter-offensive. He has accused Singh of fabricating charges to frame him and has demanded security for himself and his family from Chief Minister Adityanath. Chaudhary’s mother, Saroj Devi, a BJP district panchayat member, has claimed that Singh has falsely implicated her son in a bid to damage their reputation.
Chaudhary argues that since the BJP government under Adityanath took power, people in Campierganj are no longer subjected to false cases and that Singh is using these allegations to further his own political ambitions. According to Chaudhary, Singh has been actively supporting the Samajwadi Party (SP) and has been involved in undermining the BJP’s efforts in the region.
Local Block Pramukh Sanjay Singh has weighed in, accusing Bahadur Singh of being influenced by opposition parties and fabricating stories to shift political allegiances. Singh claims that the UP government has effectively tackled crime, and Bahadur Singh’s accusations are merely a ploy to attract attention and align with other political entities.
As the by-elections approach, this ongoing feud and the accusations surrounding it could potentially shift political dynamics in Purvanchal, adding an element of unpredictability to the upcoming polls. The developments underscore the intense political maneuvering and high stakes involved in UP’s electoral landscape.