Raghuraj Pratap Singh (alias Raja Bhaiya), an independent MLA in Uttar Pradesh, plans to form a political outfit and put up his candidates to fight the next Lok Sabha election from the state.
A seven time MLA from Kunda Assembly seat in the state's Pratapgarh district, about 150 kilometre from Lucknow, Raja Bhaiya had been associated with both the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the BJP governments in the state, though he never joined any political party.
Raja Bhaiya, who faces several criminal cases, off late had turned a supporter of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath after abandoning SP supremo Akhilesh Yadav.
The new party would be announced on November 30, Shailendra Singh, a close aide of Raja Bhaiya, said at a press conference in Lucknow on Saturday.
Sources said that this decision to form a new party, which is likely to be dominated by the influential 'Thakur' community, was intended to help the BJP by rallying support of the community.
''Raja Bhaiya enjoys considerable support among the Thakurs... He can be a rallying point for them,'' remarked a BJP leader in Lucknow.
Sources said that several 'Thakur' leaders from the SP, the BSP and the Congress could join the new outfit.
According to Shailendra, the decision was taken based on an online poll.
Around 80% people supported the idea of a new outfit by Raja Bhaiya, he said.
''We plan to present a new alternative to the people of the state,'' he said.