Aparna Yadav, the daughter-in-law of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party after days of speculation. The move is considered to be one of the biggest blows to the Samajwadi Party with Uttar Pradesh elections set to begin on February 10.

Who is Aparna Yadav, also known as ‘Netaji’s Choti Bahu’?

Aparna Yadav, a graduate of the University of Manchester, completed her studies in International Relations and Politics. She went on to marry Prateek Yadav in 2011. The two have a daughter.

Also Read: UP elections 2022: Akhilesh Yadav says ‘no more room for BJP ministers in Samajwadi Party’

The 31-year-old has often been in the spotlight for publicly speaking in favour of policies made by the BJP. These include the National Register of Citizens and the retraction of Article 370. The Samajwadi Party is known to oppose both moves. She also reportedly contributed Rs. 11,00,000 for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Aparna Yadav also attempted to kick start her political career in 2017, when she contested from the Lucknow Cantt assembly seat. However, she lost to Rita Bahuguna Joshi, a member of the BJP.

Media reports suggest that her mother — Ambi Bisht — is associated with the Lucknow Municipal Corporation while her father — Arvind Singh Bisht — is a former journalist and is currently Uttar Pradesh’s information commissioner. 

She joined the party in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and its state chief Swatantra Dev Singh on Wednesday, according to reports from PTI.

Also Read: UP elections 2022: Akhilesh Yadav takes swipe at Yogi Adityanath’s nomination

Aparna Yadav said that she has always been impressed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and added that the nation’s interest has always been her priority.

The news comes nearly a week after the BJP sustained constant blows as senior members quit the party and shook hands with Akhilesh Yadav. These included prominent names like Swami Prasad Maurya, Dharam Singh Saini and Dara Singh Chauhan.