Mumbai: In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the Karni Sena has announced its decision to contest 50 seats. The move signals the social organization’s clear intent to test the political waters and assert its electoral relevance in the politically crucial state.
Karni Sena National President Surajpal Singh Ammu made the declaration while addressing the state working committee meeting in Shahjahanpur. Directing his workers to strengthen the organization at the grassroots level, Ammu made it clear that the group is no longer willing to remain on the political sidelines.
Taking a direct dig at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Ammu stated that while they respect Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Karni Sena is absolutely nobody’s political slave. He expressed strong displeasure over the BJP giving undue importance to regional parties.
“Why should we not fight the elections?” Ammu questioned. Launching a scathing attack on the alliance partners of the ruling party, he added that when people like Om Prakash Rajbhar are made ministers and seats are distributed to regional outfits like Apna Dal, the Karni Sena has every right to demand its political share. He asserted that the organization enjoys the unwavering support of people from all communities.
During the meeting, the Karni Sena chief also raised several key ideological demands. He strongly advocated for the immediate implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttar Pradesh, pointing out that states like Uttarakhand and Gujarat have already taken steps in this direction. Furthermore, Ammu reiterated the demand to officially declare the cow as the Mother of the Nation. Interestingly, he claimed that even members of the Muslim community are now demanding that the cow be recognized as a national animal.
Adding to the political heat, Ammu appealed to the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police to ensure that Karni Sena workers are not harassed by the local administration.
With the announcement of fielding candidates on 50 assembly seats, the Karni Sena has undoubtedly raised the political temperature in Uttar Pradesh. It remains to be seen how the ruling BJP and other political stakeholders respond to this new electoral challenge from a prominent social outfit.