UP Dy CM Brajesh Pathak calls OP Rajbhar 'a friend', remains mum on alliance with SBSP

Amethi UP, May 30 PTI Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Tuesday called ex-minister and SBSP president Om Prakash Rajbhar a friend, a day after the former allies were seen together during the voting for state legislative council bypolls.Suheldev Rajbhar Bhartiya Samaj Party SBSP, which had contested last assembly polls in alliance with the Samajwadi Party, voted in favour of BJP candidates in the legislative council by-elections.Bypolls for the two MLC seats were held on Monday.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Tuesday called ex-minister and SBSP president Om Prakash Rajbhar a ''friend'', a day after the former allies were seen together during the voting for state legislative council bypolls.

Suheldev Rajbhar Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), which had contested last assembly polls in alliance with the Samajwadi Party, voted in favour of BJP candidates in the legislative council by-elections.

Bypolls for the two MLC seats were held on Monday. The SBSP chief Rajbhar arrived for voting with the Deputy Chief Minister and left the polling hall with him.

When asked if Rajbhar is joining hands with the BJP again, Pathak said, ''Only time will tell. But, Rajbhar is our friend. Wherever he is, he has been with us. For a long time, he has been in our circle of friends.'' In the 2017 assembly elections, the SBSP contested the polls with BJP, winning four seats before the two had a falling out. In the 2022 assembly elections, the SBSP contested 19 seats as a partner of the SP-led opposition coalition and won six. Rajbhar's alliance with the SP ended only a few months after the elections.

Pathak was in Amethi to hold a review meeting of the development works here with officials at the Amethi Collectorate.

Speaking to reporters here, Pathak said a committee has been formed to make Amethi the number one district.

When asked about the medical system of the district, he said the district magistrate and chief medical officer (CMO) have been directed to fill all vacant posts in the department. The BJP leader also assured that a high-quality medical system will be established in Amethi.

Pathak also held a meeting with party office bearers at BJP's district unit.

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