- People keenly following the fortunes of political churnings in the country would be wondering as to what is happening with the once-mighty, firmly entrenched, and influential party like the Bahujan Samaj Party headed by the maverick but isolated leader and ex-Chief Minister Mayawati. It is quite common to comprehend the importance of the most populous state in the country which holds the key to not only the formation of the Union Government at the Centre but also controlling the national political narrative itself by sending a sheer number of elected representatives to the Parliament. Thus, any political party governing the state is always considered to be critical for the overall robust health of the nation in more than one way.
PC: Sanjay Pandey
- Against this backdrop, the once strong outfit of BSP has witnessed a steady exit of leaders from the party in recent months as electoral maneuvers for the ensuing assembly elections to UP kick-starts in right earnest. That Mayawati is under great pressure is stating the obvious as few political movements have suffered such rapid diminution as that of BSP over the years. It is disheartening to note how BSP is found floundering which was once considered as no less than the vehicle for the founder Kanshi Ram’s seductive idea of the Bahujan vote anchored by a core Dalit base rallying other socially disadvantaged communities neglected by Congress, mandir-masjid, and Mandal politics of the time. How rapidly things have changed in the interim.
- In this age of social media, limelight-driven polity, and optics-oriented policies having gained all-pervading traction, Mayawati projects complete detachment from crucial masses, unlike other supremo-led parties who thrive in being amidst them. Such a counterproductive disposition of remaining inaccessible by the chieftain is rather unhelpful for a party wanting to be making a comeback and seeking erstwhile reckoning yet again. No wonder, the halo built around the personality of Mayawati as a mystique Dalit woman having stormed the citadel of power is also slowly dissipating. Note that Mayawati’s consecutive losses in 2012, 2014, 2017, and 2109 have turned many young Dalits to search for new political moorings.
PC: Shane Barker
- Notable gains by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in extending support bases in line with the caste politics by propagating inclusive Hindu society has allowed marginalized Dalit-OBC communities to reach out to the saffron brigade in large numbers. Decimation appears complete whilst also usurping the iconic Dalit leaders under this all-encompassing inclusive umbrella. The only consistent vote bank backing the BSP is the loyal 20% Jatavs despite a decade of reversals. Note that all significant regional parties like SP and AAP are attempting to woo Dalit voters. Congress too appears to be on the mend whilst following suit. Against this backdrop, the ensuing state assembly elections assume paramount importance to BSP to survive or sink into oblivion. Will the sheer survival instinct of Mayawati drive her out of the hole? Wait for few months to know the outcome.
