evidence: Biswan Bithari Chainpur Bithoor Budhana Bulandshahr Caimpiyarganj Chail Chakia 91 92 [...] Bulandshahar (UP) Hoshiarpur (Punjab) [...] He had been a cabinet minister a number of times (March 1997–September 1997, September 1997– October 1999, May 2002–August 2003) and was an influential leader closely associated with the BSP government between 2007 and 2012. ‘Naseemuddin Siddiqui: Muslim face of the BSP’ (13.05.07) URL: http:// www.twocircles.net/2007, May 13/naseemuddin-siddiqui-muslim-face-bsp. html (accessed August 24, 2007). In the days leading to the May 2017 assembly elections, he was expelled from the party by Mayawati. 87 Vivek Kumar, Behind the BSP Victory, p. 2238; Palshikhar, Beyond Uttar Pradesh, p. 1891; Verma, Sandwich Coalition, p. 2040; Pratap Somvanshi, ‘King Mayawati’, Himal, June 2007, p. 18; Hindustan Times, New Delhi edition, 8.12.07; Naseemuddin Siddiqui: Muslim face of the BSP (accessed August 24, 2007). 88 Ramakrishnan, ‘The new behenji’, Frontline, 24, 8, April 21, 2007, pp. 11, 12, 13. 89 A.K. Verma, ‘Municipal elections in Uttar Pradesh’, Economic and Political Weekly, 41, 51, December 23, 2006, pp. 5218–5221. 90 The incident flared up due to a clash over a ritualistic procession honouring Bharata (second brother of Lord Ram) by Bharata Milap (embracement of Bharata), a local Hindu outfit and the Hindu Yuva Vahini (Hindu Youth Armed Force) and roza (fasting) rituals performed by the Muslims.