A rift between BJP leaders Sangeet Som and Sanjeev Balyan has negatively impacted the party’s performance in western Uttar Pradesh. Balyan accused Som’s camp of aiding the opposition Samajwadi Party, leading to his own defeat in Muzaffarnagar. Som countered that such disputes should stay within the party. The region, historically a Hindutva stronghold, saw internal BJP divisions along Jat and Rajput lines, which weakened their electoral unity. This infighting, alongside accusations of favoritism and caste tensions, undermined BJP’s campaign, contributing to their losses in the 2024 elections.