Former BJP MLA Kushagra Sagar is likely to join the Samajwadi Party after resigning from the BJP. His move comes amid speculation over Bisauli MLA Ashutosh Maurya's meetings with BJP leaders.Former BJP MLA Kushagra Sagar likely to join Samajwadi Party soon Lucknow,Oct 21, 2026 17:50 ISTFormer BJP MLA Kushagra Sagar is likely to join the Samajwadi Party soon after resigning from the BJP's primary membership after nearly 11 years, reportedly upset over the lack of respect and a sense of belonging within the party.Sagar, who represented the Bisauli Assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh, is said to be unhappy over reports that sitting Samajwadi Party MLA Ashutosh Maurya had recently met BJP leaders, triggering speculation that Maurya could switch sides and join the BJP.The possibility of Maurya joining the BJP is believed to have added to Sagar's discontent, prompting him to quit the party and explore a move to the Samajwadi Party.SAGAR CITES LACK OF RESPECT IN RESIGNATIONIn his resignation, Sagar reportedly referred to the lack of respect and a sense of belonging within the BJP.

He had been associated with the party for nearly 11 years before deciding to leave. The developments come amid political speculation over possible shifts in allegiance in Uttar Pradesh, with Sagar's likely move to the Samajwadi Party potentially adding a new dimension to the political contest in the state.DISCONTENT OVER ASHUTOSH MAURYA'S BJP LINKSSagar was reportedly unhappy after Ashutosh Maurya, the sitting SP MLA from Bisauli, met BJP leaders in recent days.

The meetings fuelled speculation that Maurya could join the ruling party. The prospect of Maurya switching to the BJP is said to have contributed to Sagar's decision to resign.

Sagar is now expected to join the Samajwadi Party, although an official announcement regarding his induction was not included in the available information.BJP ITSELF IS THE REAL CRISIS: AKHILESH YADAVMeanwhile, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday launched a fresh attack on the BJP, accusing it of divisive politics, electoral manipulation and discrimination, and said those who divide people, discriminate against others and spread falsehoods cannot be called Sanatanis.Invoking the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the world is one family, Yadav said people across the world belonged to one family and accused those who claimed otherwise of being “fake”.“The sun is Sanatani. The wind does not discriminate against anyone.

Those who discriminate, do not speak the truth, do not love others and divide people cannot be Sanatani,” he told reporters.The SP chief also accused the BJP of relying on dishonesty and manipulation to win elections and urged voters to support his party in the upcoming graduate and teacher constituency elections to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council on October 23. He said an SP victory would help advance development, education and employment in the state.Stepping up his attack on the ruling party, Yadav said Uttar Pradesh's problems would persist as long as the BJP remained in power.“The BJP itself is the real crisis.

The crisis will end only when the BJP is removed,” he said.The SP chief also appealed to the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections, urging officials to perform their duties impartially rather than act as political workers.Warning officials against alleged electoral malpractice, Yadav said those involved would be held accountable if his party came to power in Uttar Pradesh. He also referred to alleged irregularities in transfers, postings and other matters within the education department.“If they act as political workers, they should be prepared to go to jail,” he said.- EndsWith PTI inputs