“If BJP Closes Its Doors, We’ll Think About It”: Sanjay Nishad Hints at Future Alliance Options

Lucknow: Speculation over a possible political realignment in Uttar Pradesh has intensified after Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad met Samajwadi Party leader Mata Prasad Pandey. The meeting had triggered talk of a possible alliance between the Nishad Party and the SP ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Sanjay Nishad, however, has clarified that the meeting was not an indication of an immediate political alliance. At the same time, his remarks about the BJP have opened the door to speculation about his party’s future strategy.

‘If BJP Closes Its Doors…’
Addressing the possibility of joining hands with the Samajwadi Party, Sanjay Nishad said that political options could be considered if the BJP were to shut its doors to his party. “When the Samajwadi Party closed its doors, I joined the BJP. Now, if the BJP closes its doors, we too will have to think about the future,” Nishad said. He added that his party would stand with whoever addresses the concerns of the Nishad community and helps resolve issues related to the government.

Why Did Sanjay Nishad Meet Mata Prasad Pandey?
Clarifying his meeting with Mata Prasad Pandey, Nishad said the two leaders have known each other for a long time. “Mata Prasad Pandey has been my old friend and mentor. He was unwell, so I went to meet him as a courtesy,” Nishad said. He added that conversations naturally take place when senior political leaders meet. According to Nishad, the murder of Vinod Sahni was also discussed during the meeting.

Nishad Issues Advice to BJP After 2024 Setback
Nishad also referred to the BJP’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, arguing that the concerns of the Nishad community were not adequately highlighted during the campaign.

He said the community’s issues had received greater attention during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, when the alliance performed strongly.

Nishad said he had also raised his demands with BJP state organisation general secretary Dharampal Singh, signalling that discussions over the community’s political representation remain important ahead of the next Assembly election.

‘Last Time We Won 16 Seats, This Time We Want More’
Seat-sharing is likely to become another important issue as the election approaches. Nishad said his party won 16 seats in the previous arrangement and is now seeking a larger share. «“Last time, we won 16 seats. This time, we’re hoping for more. We’ll work hard and win the seats where the BJP lost last time.”» His remarks suggest that the Nishad Party intends to push for greater political representation while remaining engaged with the BJP-led alliance.

Nishad Party’s Next Move Under Watch
Sanjay Nishad’s comments do not amount to an announcement of an alliance with the Samajwadi Party. However, his statement that the party would reconsider its options if the BJP “closes its doors” is likely to fuel further political speculation in Uttar Pradesh. With the Nishad community considered an important electoral constituency in several parts of the state, the party’s demands over seat-sharing, representation and community-related issues could become a significant factor in the run-up to the next Assembly election.