Ex-BJP MP Dharmendra Kashyap joins SP; Akhilesh calls it 'BJP's downfall'
Synopsis
A two-time BJP MP denied a Rajya Sabha ticket has crossed the floor to join Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party in Lucknow, in what the SP chief is framing as proof of BJP's unravelling in Uttar Pradesh. With the Kashyap community's OBC vote bank at stake and state elections on the horizon, the defection carries electoral weight well beyond a single politician's grievance.
Key Takeaways
Dharmendra Kashyap , former BJP MP from Aonla , joined the Samajwadi Party on 27 October 2026 in Lucknow .
The defection follows the BJP's decision to deny him a Rajya Sabha nomination.
Kashyap had originally quit the SP to join the BJP in 2013 ; Tuesday's move is effectively a return.
Akhilesh Yadav called the development the 'beginning of BJP's downfall' and said it strengthens the fight for social justice.
Kashyap is an influential figure among the Kashyap OBC community in northwestern Uttar Pradesh , having won the Aonla seat in 2014 and 2019 before narrowly losing in 2024 .
BSP leader Abid Ali also joined the SP at the same event.
Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Dharmendra Kashyap on Tuesday, 27 October formally joined the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Lucknow, ending weeks of speculation that had mounted since his cryptic 'Tata Bye-Bye' social media post on 7 October. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav welcomed him at the event, calling the development the 'beginning of BJP's downfall'.
Who Switched and Who Came With Him
Kashyap, a two-time BJP MP from the Aonla Lok Sabha constituency in Bareilly, was accompanied by his daughter Kirti Kashyap and a contingent of supporters. Abid Ali, a leader from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), also joined the SP at the same event, broadening the political optics of the gathering.
What Triggered the Departure
The exit follows the BJP's decision to deny Kashyap a Rajya Sabha nomination in the recent elections, despite his being considered a strong contender from within the party. Days after the BJP's Rajya Sabha list was made public, Kashyap posted a photograph of a sunset over the sea on his Facebook account, captioned 'Tata Bye-Bye' — a cryptic signal that set off a wave of speculation. The development is, in effect, a homecoming: Kashyap had originally been with the SP before switching to the BJP in 2013.
Akhilesh's Pitch and Allegations
Addressing a press conference alongside Kashyap, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said the new addition would 'strengthen his fight for social justice.' He further alleged that the BJP was resorting to 'dishonest means and electoral manipulation' out of fear of defeat, and raised pointed questions about the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleged deletions of names from electoral rolls, and the integrity of the voting process.
Kashyap's Charges Against the Yogi Government
Kashyap, speaking at the press conference, alleged that residents of Uttar Pradesh were 'fed up' with the BJP state government owing to what he described as a 'poor' law and order situation. He further alleged that the Yogi government's bulldozer action — a contentious practice that has drawn criticism from opposition parties and rights groups — was 'targeted at the poor and deprived families only.'
Political Weight of the Defection
Kashyap is considered an influential figure among the Kashyap community, a significant OBC demographic in the northwestern districts of Uttar Pradesh. He was elected to the Lok Sabha on a BJP ticket in both 2014 and 2019, but narrowly lost the seat in the 2024 general elections. His return to the SP signals a potential realignment of OBC community support ahead of the next state election cycle, with Akhilesh asserting that 'the moment election dates are announced, the BJP's defeat will be sealed.'
Point of View
Already working to consolidate non-Yadav OBC support, gains a ready-made network at a moment when it needs breadth, not depth. Whether Kashyap translates into actual vote transfer or remains a symbolic trophy will depend on how quickly he is given an organisational role — and whether his community sees the move as conviction or convenience.
NationPress
27 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Dharmendra Kashyap leave the BJP to join the SP?
Kashyap left the BJP after being denied a Rajya Sabha nomination in the recent elections, despite being considered a strong contender within the party. His disenchantment became public on 7 October when he posted a 'Tata Bye-Bye' caption on Facebook, and on 27 October he formally joined the Samajwadi Party.
Who is Dharmendra Kashyap and why does his defection matter?
Dharmendra Kashyap is a two-time BJP MP from the Aonla Lok Sabha constituency in Bareilly, having won in 2014 and 2019 before narrowly losing in 2024. He is considered an influential leader of the Kashyap OBC community in northwestern Uttar Pradesh, making his defection politically significant ahead of state elections.
What did Akhilesh Yadav say after Kashyap joined the SP?
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav called Kashyap's arrival the 'beginning of BJP's downfall' and said it would strengthen his party's fight for social justice. He also alleged that the BJP was resorting to electoral manipulation out of fear of defeat, and questioned the functioning of the Election Commission.
Had Dharmendra Kashyap been with the SP before?
Yes. Kashyap was originally a Samajwadi Party member before switching to the BJP in 2013. His joining of the SP on 27 October is effectively a return to his political origins.
Who else joined the SP at the same event?
Abid Ali, a leader from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), also joined the Samajwadi Party at the same event in Lucknow on 27 October. Kashyap was accompanied by his daughter Kirti Kashyap and a group of supporters.
