Om Prakash Rajbhar is a self-made OBC leader from dust of eastern Uttar Pradesh who turned neglected caste identity into political currency. Born 15 September 1962 in Varanasi in poverty-stricken Rajbhar family, he migrated to Mumbai in 1980s to sell iron scrap where he witnessed humiliation of North Indian labourers by Shiv Sena.
Returning to Ghazipur in 1990s, he was deeply influenced by Kanshi Ram’s Bahujan movement but realized extremely backward castes like Rajbhar were sidelined in BSP-SP politics. On 27 October 2002, he founded Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) named after legendary king Suheldev Rajbhar who defeated Ghaznavi invader Salar Masood in 1033.
His electoral journey is textbook of perseverance. He lost three consecutive assembly elections in 2002 (8.2%, 12,450 votes), 2007 (15.4%, 22,890 votes) and 2012 (27.8%, 48,210 votes by only 3200 margin) from Zahoorabad, but his vote share grew. In 2014 Lok Sabha Ghosi, SBSP polled 1.12 lakh (11.5%) and cut BJP margin.
In 2017, riding alliance with BJP, he won Zahoorabad with 86,342 votes (41.2%) margin 18,720 turnout 60.4% and became Cabinet Minister for Backward Class Welfare. He approved 12,000 pensions.
Famous for blunt style, he was sacked on 20 May 2019 for saying Yogi should go back to Math. He then ensured BJP’s defeat in Ghosi 2019 by cutting 38,000 votes.
In 2022, with Akhilesh Yadav alliance, he won again from Zahoorabad by record margin 33,864 votes securing 1,05,721 votes (46.8%) turnout 62.1%. SP+SBSP combine impacted 18 seats.
In July 2023 he returned to NDA and in March 2024 inducted again as Cabinet Minister for Panchayati Raj, Minority Welfare, Waqf. His son Arvind Rajbhar contested Ghosi Lok Sabha 2024 on NDA ticket polling 4,02,895 votes (35.9%) turnout 57.8% but lost by 1.62 lakh to SP’s Rajeev Rai.
Despite controversies over reservation division, history of Suheldev, dynastic politics promoting sons Arvind and Arun, and rivalry with BJP’s Anil Rajbhar, his hold over Rajbhar community in 30 seats of Ghazipur-Ballia-Mau-Azamgarh-Varanasi belt is unchallenged. He runs Suheldev education institute for 400 poor children.
As of 2026 ahead of crucial 2027 UP Assembly elections he is positioning as voice of 79 Most Backward Castes demanding sub-categorization of OBC quota and caste census with slogan ‘Pehle Gino Phir Hissa Do’. His next 5-year goal is to establish sons in politics and secure bigger role at state level like Deputy CM. He maintains strong grassroots connect with daily janta darbar at 6 AM and massive Rajbhar sammelans. With 1.2M Facebook followers and massive Suheldev Jayanti rallies on 10 Feb in Bahraich where lakhs gather, he remains potential kingmaker whose alliance choice will impact state politics. He eats litti chokha on roadside and wears gamcha, making him relatable. Party survived 23 years without big family support, rare for small party.
Additional 300 words: His bargaining comes from Mumbai scrap market where every kilogram matters. That skill he uses in Lucknow seat-sharing. From 37 people meeting to lakh crowd, journey on foot. Yellow flag symbolizes pride. He wants free education for MBC, hostel in each district named after Suheldev. For 2027, BJP needs him to add non-Yadav OBC to counter Yadav-Muslim consolidation. SP needs him to consolidate OBC-Muslim. Price will be high, wants 35 seats and one Lok Sabha for himself from Ghazipur. Transition to family party but survival strategy. In UP where parties vanish, SBSP survived, achievement itself.
FAQ English – 5 Questions
Q1: What is caste of Om Prakash Rajbhar?
A: Rajbhar caste OBC Most Backward Class MBC in UP strong presence Ghazipur Ballia.
Q2: Party and formation?
A: Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party SBSP formed 27 Oct 2002 Varanasi symbol stick founder Om Prakash Rajbhar.
Q3: How many times MLA current post?
A: Twice 2017 with BJP and 2022 with SP from Zahoorabad. As of 2026 Cabinet Minister Panchayati Raj Minority Welfare in Yogi govt NDA ally.
Q4: Who is son?
A: Elder son Arvind Rajbhar national general secretary contested Ghosi Lok Sabha 2024 polling 4 lakh votes, younger Arun youth wing law student.
Q5: Controversies?
A: Quota division demand, remarks on Yogi should go to Math, Suheldev history claim, liquor ban statement, rivalry with Anil Rajbhar and family promotion
