Lucknow: Amidst rising tensions and factionalism in Apna Dal, Union Minister and party president Anupriya Patel sent a strong message to dissenters, asserting that the party remains united and committed to its core ideals. Speaking at the 76th birth anniversary celebration of party founder Dr. Sonelal Patel at Ravindralaya Auditorium in Lucknow, Anupriya appealed to workers to stay alert and uphold the party's values. Out of the party's 13 MLAs, 12 were present at the event, debunking rebel claims that nine legislators were aligning with a splinter group, “Apna Morcha.” Only Shohratgarh MLA Vinay Verma was absent, reportedly with prior permission.
Anupriya emphasized the importance of caste-based census, linking it to the constitutional vision of economic and social democracy.
“The census is not divisive, but a unifying tool,” she stated. She refrained from commenting on husband and cabinet minister Ashish Patel’s more pointed allegations, instead focusing on party building and electoral preparation.
Ashish Patel, who also addressed the gathering, launched a sharp attack, without naming the BJP claimed a ₹1,700 crore conspiracy is underway to destabilize Apna Dal (S). He warned that false legal cases could be used against him and declared that the party's rising popularity had made it a target.
He stressed that the party’s strength lies in its commitment to social justice and that no amount of political pressure or media bias could silence that agenda. Patel also raised concerns about selective discrimination within the ruling alliance, questioning why Apna Dal alone faces sabotage.
Meanwhile, the party’s state president has written to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding the rebel faction, signaling ongoing tensions within the NDA-aligned regional outfit.
