Lucknow, Dec. 27 -- In the wake of growing caste-based assertions within its ranks, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership in Uttar Pradesh has stepped in to reinforce internal discipline as the party gears up for the crucial 2027 battle.

The immediate trigger is Tuesday's closed-door meeting of the party's over 50 Brahmin legislators in the name of a feast at an MLA's Gomti Nagar residence here during the winter session of the state assembly. This evoked a sharp response from newly- appointed UP BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhary.

Earlier, during the monsoon session in August, about 50 Thakur legislators of the BJP had a similar meeting.

"The leadership feels if such caste mobilisation within the party are left unchecked (they) could tur...