Lucknow, Dec 20 (PTI) BSP supremo Mayawati on Tuesday appointed Vishwanath Pal, a leader from Ayodhya, as new president of the party's Uttar Pradesh unit.

A senior leader said the change was made with the upcoming urban local body polls and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in mind.

Also Read | Lingayat Mutt Sex Scandal: Seers Warn BJP Government in Karnataka, Say 'Withdraw Administrator or Face Protest'.

In a tweet, Mayawati said Pal would take over as new chief from Bhim Rajbhar, who has been made the party's coordinator for Bihar.

"Keeping in view the present political situation... Vishwanath Pal, a native of Ayodhya, has been made new president of the BSP's UP state unit. Hearty congratulations and best wishes to him," Mayawati said in a tweet in Hindi.

Also Read | Maharashtra Legislature Gets Small Baby-Care Centre 'Hirkani Room', After MLA Saroj Ahire Wagh Attends Session With Infant.

Pal, who was earlier the chief sector in-charge of the party's Ayodhya division, has been an old "missionary, diligent and faithful" worker of the BSP, she said.

"I have full faith that he will work wholeheartedly to increase the mass base of the party, especially to connect with the most backward castes and definitely earn success," Mayawati said in another tweet.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also praised Rajbhar and said he had worked with full honesty for which the party was grateful.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)