Mayawati Declares BSP to Contest UP Elections Independently

Lucknow, Oct 9 (PTI) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati announced on Thursday that her party will contest the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections independently, dismissing any possibility of forming alliances. Addressing a rally in Lucknow, she noted that previous alliances primarily aided partner parties rather than the BSP, as her party's voter base did not receive adequate reciprocal backing.

"Based on past experiences, I wish to emphasize that our party has not gained significantly from forming alliances, particularly in Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections," Mayawati stated. She added, "Our votes tend to transfer unilaterally to our allies, but the upper castes, due to their casteist mindset, do not reciprocate by voting for BSP candidates. As a result, our candidates secure fewer seats, and our overall vote share diminishes."

Mayawati further asserted that coalition governments involving the BSP have historically been short-lived. "Whenever we have co-governed (in UP), the administration has not completed its term. Alliances lead to a decrease in our vote percentage, and when we form governments through such alliances, they collapse prematurely," she remarked.

Highlighting past alliances, Mayawati recounted their outcomes to those gathered. "In 1993, our alliance with the Samajwadi Party resulted in only 67 seats. A similar partnership with Congress in 1996 did not fare any better," she recalled.

However, the BSP's independent run in 2002 marked a turning point. "When we contested solo in 2002, the BSP secured approximately 100 seats, including two Independents who couldn't receive the party symbol in time. This achievement significantly boosted our workers' morale," she explained.

The highlight of Mayawati's address was the 2007 election, when BSP contested independently and tasted historic success. "We secured over 200 seats and established our first-ever majority government, which completed its five-year term, implementing pivotal welfare measures for all societal segments," she shared.

She argued that partnerships not only fail to bolster the BSP but also impede progressive development. "It undermines our movement and mission," she asserted.

The rally, held in commemoration of BSP founder Kanshi Ram's death anniversary, attracted vast numbers of supporters from all over Uttar Pradesh.

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