BSP MP From Ambedkarnagar Ritesh Pandey Quits Party, Joins BJP

Lucknow, February 25 (TNA) In a big political development, Lok Sabha MP Ritesh Pandey quit the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party on Sunday and joined the BJP. He represents the Ambedkar Nagar parliamentary seat. His father Rakesh Pandey is a Samajwadi Party MLA in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly.

Addressing the media after joining the BJP, Pandey said he was inspired by Prime Minister Modi's vision of a developed India and had joined the BJP to work towards this goal. Earlier in the day he had shared the resignation letter he had sent to BSP chief and former Chief Minister Mayawati on social media handles. The letter thanked her for allowing him to represent the party in Lok Sabha.

He “however goes on to rue how: For a long time, I have not been called for meetings. I am also not part of leadership discussions. I have tried numerous times to meet you and senior leaders but to no avail. I have concluded that the party no longer needs my service and my presence. I am not left with any option other than resigning from the party's primary membership. The decision to sever ties with the party is emotionally difficult.”