Lucknow witnessed a political stir on the first day of the Assembly session on Wednesday after around 40 MLAs from the Kshatriya community gathered at a prominent hotel in the city. The meeting, held under the name “Kutumba” (meaning ‘clan’), has triggered discussions about possible political undercurrents.

Sources told India Today that a WhatsApp group has been created for these MLAs, most of whom belong to the Kshatriya caste. The objective appeared to be to bring Kshatriya legislators from different parties together on one platform.

Although a few leaders from other communities reportedly attended, the majority were Kshatriyas, including about three dozen who are considered rebel MLAs from both the BJP and Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party.

The gathering, hosted by Kundarki MLA Ramveer Singh and Moradabad MLC Jaipal Singh Vyas, was described as a family get-together. Attending MLAs were given gifts, which included a picture of Lord Ram and a trident, sources added.

Political observers noted the presence of rebel SP leaders such as Gauriganj MLA Rakesh Pratap Singh and Gosaiganj MLA Abhay Singh, both of whom have been active in Kshatriya community outreach. Sources indicated that the idea of such a meet had been in discussion for some time, as community leaders were looking to demonstrate unity and influence.

While the organisers have insisted the event was purely social, the timing and scale of the meeting have led to speculation about a show of strength. Several MLAs, former MLAs, and ex-MLCs from opposition parties were also invited, but most prominent opposition leaders stayed away.

Following the meet, the mood in the Assembly’s Central Hall was light-hearted, with many leaders making jokes and passing comments about the gathering. Some MLAs involved in organising the event were teased by their colleagues, suggesting that the political implications had not gone unnoticed.

In their defence, organisers maintained there was no political agenda. “It was only a family event, nothing more,” said one of the hosts.

With the Assembly session underway, the “Kutumba” meeting has become a talking point, particularly because it involved MLAs from multiple parties and came at a time when caste-based mobilisation remains a sensitive factor in state politics.

Whether it leads to any coordinated political move remains to be seen, but the optics have already made an impact.

– Ends