BJP confident of achieving absolute majority in UP

With the latest inclusion of expelled Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) general secretary Swami Prasad Maurya, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed absolute confidence of sweeping the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

"Taking note of the enthusiasm in the BJP workers post Swamy Prasad Maurya joining the party, I can say with conviction that the BJP will achieve absolute majority in 2017,"

Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya told ANI here.

In a move bound to irk Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati ahead of next year's assembly polls, Swami Prasad Maurya on Monday joined the BJP on Monday.

"This is a new home for me. And as expected, things would be new. Till now, I was in the BSP because it was formed by Kanshi Ram ji who was influenced by Bhimrao Ambedkar ji to work for the upliftment of Dalits," said Maurya.

The Padrauna MLA Swami, who is the leader of opposition in Uttar Pradesh Assembly, had left the BSP on June 22 accusing the Mayawati of selling poll tickets and deceiving the Dalit community.

There were speculations earlier that Maurya will join the Samajwadi Party.