BJP hopes for Poorvanchali votes courtesy Manoj Tiwari

The appointment of Manoj Tiwari as the president of Delhi unit of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has come as a surprise to many within the party. However, they feel that the move will help the party consolidate Poorvanchali voters in a big way in the coming municipal corporation elections, likely in April next year.

Manoj Tiwari, originally from Atarwalia village under Kaimur district of Bihar, is a famous Bhojpuri singer and actor who has a huge fan following in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. According to estimates, there are now about 40 lakh Poorvanchalis, the migrants coming from Bihar and eastern UP, in Delhi. The appointment of Manoj Tiwari is acknowledgment of this demographical and political change.

“This is a major departure from the party’s earlier combination of Punjabis and Vaishyas, which is quite significant. The fact that the party has recognised the changing ground reality of Delhi proves that the BJP leadership is flexible in its approach,” said a senior party leader.

Speaking to The Sunday Guardian, outgoing president Satish Upadhyay said: “Change is a natural phenomenon. I served as party president for two and a half years and I tried my best to strengthen the organisation. As for Manoj Tiwari’s appointment, it’s a recognition of the Poorvanchalis, whose number is sizeable in Delhi. I think it will be good for the party. I wish him all the best.”