The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has put forth a significant condition for considering its participation in the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections: the projection of BSP president Mayawati as the prime ministerial candidate.
Highlighting the potential impact of Mayawati's candidacy, BSP MP Malook Nagar from Bijnor emphasized that positioning her as the PM candidate could effectively challenge the BJP's bid for a third consecutive term. He underscored a strategic victory formula, pointing out the vote percentages from the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections: the BJP secured 41.3%, while the INDIA bloc parties garnered about 40%, and the BSP secured 13%. With the BSP joining the alliance, the collective vote share could surpass 50%, presenting a formidable challenge to the BJP's dominance. Additionally, projecting Mayawati as the PM candidate is seen as a means to reengage Dalit voters who have been drawn towards the saffron brigade.
Nagar, a close associate of Mayawati, reiterated her stature as the preeminent Dalit leader with broad-based support across various states.
However, Nagar also emphasized the need for the Congress to apologize for its actions in coaxing away BSP MLAs in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan post the 2018 Assembly elections. He suggested that Mayawati's forgiveness for these past incidents, along with a positive stance towards the INDIA alliance, could potentially pave the way for collaboration.
Nagar's statement comes in response to Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) president Ajay Rai's recent suggestion that Mayawati seriously contemplate joining the INDIA alliance, given the prevailing political landscape and the status of Dalits in the country.
Previously, the Samajwadi Party had reportedly opposed the BSP's induction into the INDIA bloc, prompting Mayawati to express a willingness to keep options open for future political alignments.
Mayawati had recently stated, "It is inappropriate for anyone to make unnecessary comments on parties, including the BSP, that are not a part of the opposition alliance." This comment followed discussions about the BSP's possible inclusion in the alliance.
(With Agency Inputs)
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