Tripura has a sizeable population of Bengalis who belong to the Nath community, Adityanath’s sect; BJP feels UP CM will help consolidate Hindu votes.
New Delhi: Tripura has a little-known link to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. But the connect is so significant that he is likely to be the biggest star campaigner for the BJP in the state after Prime Minister Narendra Modi when it goes to the polls early next year.
Tripura BJP in-charge Sunil Deodhar said the state has a sizeable population of Hindu Bengalis who belong to the Nath community, Yogi Adityanath’s sect, and follow Shaivism.
By roping in the UP chief minister, the BJP is hoping to woo Bengali Naths in the state.
While Naths are classified as an OBC group in the Centre’s list, they are considered a general category in Tripura.
“In Tripura, 35 per cent of the Bengalis belong to the Nath sect. Majority of them have migrated from Bangladesh after facing religious persecution there,” Deodhar told ThePrint.
Party leaders believe that after PM Modi — who is likely to campaign in the state next month — Adityanath could be the real crowd puller in the state.
According to BJP insiders, if the Yogi magic works, it could be a game changer for the party. The senior leaders believe that Yogi’s campaigning might help consolidate Hindu votes.
While the UP chief minister seems to be the flavour of the season, the BJP is keeping the pressure up on the Left government. Around 50 ministers from the neighbouring states and Centre have visited the state.
A majority of them have spoken about central schemes, which have not reached the people of Tripura yet, party sources said.
The BJP will begin its campaign in Tripura Wednesday with a padyatra and rallies. Nearly 30 MLAs and ministers from Assam and Manipur will take part in these programmes.
BJP national president Amit Shah will address a rally on 7 January.