Nandi, a businessman-turned-politician, had joined the BSP barely a few months ahead of the 2007 assembly polls in the state, wherein the predominantly Dalit-based party was seen building a broader social coalition which included upper castes, especially the Brahmins and the Vaishya community.
The party went on to win an absolute majority in the polls which also saw Nandi pulling off a sensational victory in Allahabad (South) against heavyweights like BJP's Keshri Nath Tripathi and Rita Bahuguna Joshi of the Congress.
He was rewarded with a cabinet berth by Chief Minister Mayawati, causing dissatisfaction among those who were ignored despite a long association with the party.
Nandi's political career, however, hit several roadblocks thereafter.
