BJP may cash in on Mathura violence during UP polls

 The BJP central leadership is closely observing the breakdown of law and order in UP which would add to the growing resentment against the Samajwadi Party in the forthcoming Assembly polls.

Sources said that this gruesome scuffle of Mathura could be the prime issue during the BJP's National Executive Meet, which is scheduled for June 12 and 13. This incident, which claimed 26 lives, including the lives of two police officers, has given the BJP a stronger foothold in UP as Shivpal Yadav, younger brother of Mulayam Singh Yadav (Former CM of Uttar Pradesh) is allegedly involved in the agitation.

The BJP leaders will be holding the SP responsible for anti-incumbency, poor law and order as well as scores of attacks on police personnel in UP in the last four years. The involvement of the Yadavs in the violence will not help the Samajwadi Party’s case. The BJP is attempting to woo the Brahmins and the Superintendent of Police, who was killed by the squatters, Mukul Dwivedi, belonged to this caste. 

BJP also hopes to tap into the votes of the non-Yadav backward castes to establish a stance in UP.

 The National Executive Meet will also focus on the further expansion of the party's footprint across the country. Buoyed by the recent election performance in Assam and Kerala, the party is now looking at other states. 

BJP chief Amit Shah plans to spend more time in UP in anticipation of the election. He is holding a booth level workers' meeting in Lucknow on Saturday and will address a rally in Kanpur on June 7. The BJP national conclave in Allahabad will end with a rally on June 13. Shah will complete booth level workers meeting by July 10, sources said. He is also scheduled to hold around eight rallies in the coming two months. 

Meanwhile, there will continue to be uncertainty over the organisational appointments for some more time as the party president is yet to confirm the vacant posts of the central brigade.