Lucknow, November 16: Six-time Independent legislator Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya, who has earlier been part of both the BJP and Samajwadi Party-led governments, is set to form his own political party. Tentatively named as Jansatta Dal, the official launch is planned on November 30, when Bhaiya would be addressing a grand rally in his stronghold Kunda.

Addressing reporters in Lucknow today, Bhaiya said he has approached the Election Commission to seek his party's registration. On being asked the reason behind floating his new outfit, the tainted politician said it would be befitting for him to head his own party after spending 25 years in politics. BJP Will Lose 100 Seats in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh Combined: Tejashwi.

"I have completed 25 years in politics, have been an Independent politician and MLA, so now have decided to form a political party. I have also approached EC for registration," the Pratapgarh strongman said.

Bhaiya has represented the Kunda assembly constituency in Pratapgarh district for six terms in a row. During his term as a legislator, he had landed at loggerheads with only two regimes - led by Kalyan Singh and Mayawati.

Kalyan Singh, the former CM, had dubbed Bhaiya as "Kunda ka gunda" and had unsuccessfully campaigned across Pratapgarh to defeat him in the legislative polls.

Mayawati, meanwhile, imposed against him the rigorous POTA (Prevention of Terrorists Activities Act) and put him behind bars for 15 months. After she was defeated in 2002, the hen newly elected CM Mulayam Singh Yadav retracted the case against him.

Since then, Bhaiya had shared smooth ties with the SP -- until the legislative council elections earlier in the year -- when he cross-voted in favour of the BJP candidates.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 16, 2018 12:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).