New Brahmin-focused party emerges in Uttar Pradesh amid growing BJP discontent

In February, a small office on Lucknow’s Sapru Marg became the headquarters of the Rashtriya Adhikar Morcha, a Brahmin-first political outfit founded by former judicial officer Alankar Agnihotri. The party, which intends to field candidates in 150 constituencies, was sparked by Brahmin anger over UGC draft regulations aimed at protecting OBC, SC and ST students. Although the Supreme Court halted the rules, the resentment persists, with many Brahmins accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of hijacking the BJP.

Party leaders say RAM will cut BJP votes in at least a hundred seats and may back the Bahujan Samaj Party elsewhere. The development reflects broader caste-based tensions as the BJP seeks to retain its traditional upper-caste base while courting OBC and Dalit voters ahead of a tightly contested election.