Samajwadi Party Headed for Split? Rajbhar Claims Akhilesh May Step Aside, Shivpal Could Take Charge

Uttar Pradesh minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar has once again stirred the state's political landscape, claiming that the Samajwadi Party (SP) is heading towards a major internal crisis that could eventually force Akhilesh Yadav to relinquish leadership of the party.

Addressing reporters in Ballia district on Saturday, Rajbhar alleged that growing dissatisfaction within the SP could lead to a split similar to those witnessed in other major regional parties. He claimed that several leaders and parliamentarians were unhappy with the party's current direction and were exploring alternative political options.

Taking his attack a step further, Rajbhar predicted a dramatic leadership transition within the opposition party. According to him, Akhilesh Yadav may eventually have to step aside in order to preserve the organisation, paving the way for his uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav to assume a larger leadership role.

Rajbhar also alleged that a section of SP leaders was maintaining contact with the ruling BJP . Without presenting evidence, he claimed that SP MP Rajeev Rai had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and could play a key role in triggering a rebellion within the party. He suggested that some opposition MPs were increasingly uncertain about their political future and were considering aligning themselves with the ruling camp.

The minister described Ballia as a historic "land of rebels" and claimed that any major political realignment within the SP could begin from the district itself. His remarks come amid an intensifying war of words between him and senior Samajwadi Party leaders over repeated assertions that the party is facing internal divisions.

The SP has strongly rejected Rajbhar's allegations. Earlier this week, Akhilesh Yadav dismissed the minister's comments, branding him a "rumour-mongering minister". Rajeev Rai also hit back, accusing Rajbhar of making sensational statements merely to remain politically relevant.

Rajbhar simultaneously attempted to dismiss speculation about unrest within his own party. Amid reports of differences inside the SBSP, he maintained that five of the party's six MLAs remain firmly with him, while only one legislator has openly displayed proximity to the Samajwadi Party.

The minister also entered the debate surrounding the Ram Temple trust, criticising SP leaders for raising questions over alleged financial irregularities. He argued that parties which opposed the temple movement lacked the moral authority to comment on the issue.

In a political challenge aimed directly at his rivals, Rajbhar invited both Akhilesh Yadav and Shivpal Singh Yadav to contest against him from the Zahoorabad Assembly constituency in Ghazipur district , which he currently represents.

With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approaching, Rajbhar's remarks have added fresh fuel to an already heated political atmosphere. Whether his predictions prove accurate or remain part of the ongoing political sparring, they have once again brought the spotlight onto the internal dynamics of one of Uttar Pradesh's most influential opposition parties.