Om Prakash Rajbhar Mockingly Responds to Akhilesh’s ‘403’ Remark
The political drama in Uttar Pradesh intensified after Akhilesh Yadav’s X post that read, “Now our eyes are on 403, not three.” The comment, interpreted as a strategic shift towards the 403 seats of the state assembly, drew immediate sarcasm from coalition partner Om Prakash Rajbhar.
Rajbhar, who heads the Suhbat Samaj Party and serves as a state minister, replied with a wry tone: “Friend Akhilesh, the chatter is over! Occasionally you do something sensible, like today. As for 403, dreaming is not a crime.” The exchange, though light‑hearted, highlighted underlying tensions within the anti‑BJP camp.
Political observers note that Rajbhar’s response serves two purposes. First, it acknowledges the SP’s pivot while subtly questioning the feasibility of translating assembly ambitions into a third Rajya Sabha win. Second, it reinforces Rajbhar’s own relevance in the coalition by publicly addressing the leader’s statement.
The context remains crucial. The SP has already fielded two candidates – Dhanraj Lakhwani and Prof. Ramgopal Yadav – for the first two Rajya Sabha seats. The third seat, which would require an additional 12 legislators’ support beyond the 74 votes needed for two seats, has been a sticking point.
Compounding the challenge are reports of a handful of SP legislators who voted for the BJP in the previous Rajya Sabha election, eroding the party’s confidence in securing a clean third slot.
Meanwhile, the BJP’s legislative strength stands at about 255 members, bolstered by smaller allies: the Sonelal Party (13), Rashtriya Lok Dal (9), Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (6) and Nishaad Party (5). Adding three independents and two members from the Jansatta Dal (Loktantrik) gives the alliance an estimated 293 votes, a shade short of the 296 required to clinch an eighth Rajya Sabha seat.
Rajbhar’s cheeky reply, therefore, is more than a jest. It underscores the delicate arithmetic each alliance must navigate and the intra‑alliance jockeying that will shape Uttar Pradesh’s upcoming legislative battles.