Amid speculation on finalisation of 2019 seat-sharing arrangement between Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh, top sources in BSP tells ANI that party is still analyzing and talks on seat sharing is yet to take concrete shape.

Top BSP sources also say that BSP Chief Mayawati is holding a series of meetings with party leaders from inside Uttar Pradesh and outside the state as well.

Sources further say that she is yet to take a final call on Gathbandhan in UP as the party is observing political developments and is in wait and watch mode.

It has been widely reported that SP BSP alliance is sealed however there is no official word from BSP.

Mayawati had openly expressed her reservation with Congress party which is playing a key role in stitching Mahagathbandhan against Modi led NDA government in 2019 general elections.

BSP chief Mayawati was first to offer her party support to Congress for forming a government in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

In another political churn, there is an attempt to form non-BJP and non-Congress front ahead of 2019 elections.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is spearheading this move. KCR met with Mamata Banerjee yesterday and is expected to meet Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav.

Amid speculation on finalisation of 2019 seat-sharing arrangement between Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh, top sources in BSP tells ANI that party is still analyzing and talks on seat sharing is yet to take concrete shape.

Amid speculation on finalisation of 2019 seat-sharing arrangement between Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh, top sources in BSP tells ANI that party is still analyzing and talks on seat sharing is yet to take concrete shape. Top BSP sources also say that BSP Chief Mayawati is holding a series of meetings with party leaders from inside Uttar Pradesh and outside the state as well. Sources further say that she is yet to take a final call on Gathbandhan in UP as the party is observing political developments and is in wait and watch mode. It has been widely reported that SP BSP alliance is sealed however there is no official word from BSP. Mayawati had openly expressed her reservation with Congress party which is playing a key role in stitching Mahagathbandhan against Modi led NDA government in 2019 general elections. BSP chief Mayawati was first to offer her party support to Congress for forming a government in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. In another political churn, there is an attempt to form non-BJP and non-Congress front ahead of 2019 elections. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is spearheading this move. KCR met with Mamata Banerjee yesterday and is expected to meet Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav.

BSP on 'wait and watch' mode on Mahagathbandhan in UP

The BSP and SP chiefs Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav have said they <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-time-for-change-rahul-gandhi-after-poll-results-183326">will help the Congress form governments</a> in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.&nbsp;

"To keep BJP out of power we have agreed to support Congress in Madhya Pradesh and if need be in Rajasthan, even though we don't agree with many of their policies," said Mayawati.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: "To keep BJP out of power we have agreed to support Congress in Madhya Pradesh and if need be in Rajasthan, even though we don't agree with many of their policies,"says Mayawati, BSP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssemblyElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AssemblyElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/1gr6RFRZHO">pic.twitter.com/1gr6RFRZHO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1072722983947509762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"We welcome the mandate. We didn't perform well but we would like to thank the public of Madhya Pradesh for supporting us. We have decided to support Congress in MP. BJP has spread hatred and deceived public, they will be given an answer in LS elections," said Akhilesh.&nbsp;

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Akhilesh Yadav, former UP CM: We welcome the mandate. We didn't perform well but we would like to thank the public of Madhya Pradesh for supporting us. We have decided to support Congress in MP. BJP has spread hatred&amp;deceived public, they will be given an answer in LS elections. <a href="https://t.co/OzFGshIwBd">pic.twitter.com/OzFGshIwBd</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1072781826819846144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress won 114 seats in Madhya Pradesh, two short of the halfway mark. The BSP won two, and the SP one.&nbsp;

The Congress won 99 seats in Rajasthan, one short of the majority mark. The BSP won 6.&nbsp;

Late on Tuesday evening, as the results seemed to show the Congress would fall just short of the majority mark in MP and Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had said his party had reached out to the two UP leaders.&nbsp;

The BSP and SP chiefs Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav have said they will help the Congress form governments in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. "To keep BJP out of power we have agreed to support Congress in Madhya Pradesh and if need be in Rajasthan, even though we don't agree with many of their policies," said Mayawati.

The BSP and SP chiefs Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav have said they will help the Congress form governments in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. "To keep BJP out of power we have agreed to support Congress in Madhya Pradesh and if need be in Rajasthan, even though we don't agree with many of their policies," said Mayawati. #WATCH: "To keep BJP out of power we have agreed to support Congress in Madhya Pradesh and if need be in Rajasthan, even though we don't agree with many of their policies,"says Mayawati, BSP #AssemblyElections2018 pic.twitter.com/1gr6RFRZHO — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2018 × "We welcome the mandate. We didn't perform well but we would like to thank the public of Madhya Pradesh for supporting us. We have decided to support Congress in MP. BJP has spread hatred and deceived public, they will be given an answer in LS elections," said Akhilesh. Akhilesh Yadav, former UP CM: We welcome the mandate. We didn't perform well but we would like to thank the public of Madhya Pradesh for supporting us. We have decided to support Congress in MP. BJP has spread hatred&deceived public, they will be given an answer in LS elections. pic.twitter.com/OzFGshIwBd — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 12, 2018 × The Congress won 114 seats in Madhya Pradesh, two short of the halfway mark. The BSP won two, and the SP one. The Congress won 99 seats in Rajasthan, one short of the majority mark. The BSP won 6. Late on Tuesday evening, as the results seemed to show the Congress would fall just short of the majority mark in MP and Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had said his party had reached out to the two UP leaders.

Mayawati says will support Congress in MP & Rajasthan, Akhilesh says he will in former

It is an alliance that took shape in just a few hours of discussion and the former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi wants it to continue till the 2019 general elections by projecting his ally and BSP supremo Mayawati as the prime ministerial candidate.

"Mayawatiji deserves to be the country's prime minister. She is appropriate for the post and she has the potential," Jogi said.

Describing the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief as a natural leader, the bureaucrat-turned-politician told PTI in an interview, "There are various things that work in her favour. She is a woman, a Dalit and also has an experience of serving as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh four times."

Jogi, 72, is the chief ministerial candidate of the alliance. He had earlier served as Chhattisgarh's first chief minister as a Congress leader between 2000 and 2003 after the tribal-dominated state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh.

However, the Congress could not return to power after Jogi's tenure ended and the BJP leader Raman Singh has served as its chief minister for nearly 15 years since then. One reason many cite for Congress' failure to come back to power in the state is infighting among various state leaders. Jogi left the Congress in 2016.

While Chhattisgarh has always seen a two-way fight between the arch rivals BJP and Congress, Jogi-Mayawati alliance has become a keenly-watched third force this time. Even Chief Minister Singh, a BJP stalwart in the state where elections for 90 assembly seats would be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20, has acknowledged that Jogi would impact the Bharatiya Janata Party as well as the Congress.

The BSP has one MLA in the outgoing assembly, while its vote share fell to 4.27 per cent in 2013. However, combining of forces between Jogi and Mayawati is being seen as having a multiplier effect, especially in terms of caste equations.

Out of 90 total seats, 29 are reserved for tribals and 10 for Scheduled Castes. In the non-reserved seats, the population of SCs is more than 10 per cent in 40 assemblies. Besides, the other backward classes constitute about 48 per cent of the state's population.

While Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party is known to attract Dalit voters, Jogi himself is said to have a stronghold among voters from his caste base of Mahars and Satnamis.

Pitching Mayawati's name for the prime minister, Jogi said the BSP supremo deserves the country's top post and she is an appropriate candidate for it.

"The alliance between these two parties is a natural alliance and it will last beyond 2019 general elections," Jogi said.

When asked how the alliance was formed between the two parties, Jogi said it took just a few hours to forge the partnership as both parties are almost on the same page ideologically.

"I met Mayawatiji and we discussed for few hours and then decided to contest the election together for the state assembly and I will be the chief ministerial candidate," Jogi said.

Talking about the two-phase polls, Jogi said the real contest would be between the JCC-BSP alliance and the ruling BJP, while he termed the Congress a "spent force".

The Congress has no organisation, no workers in the state and above all it is without any leader, he said.

Jogi's daughter-in-law Richa Jogi is contesting on BSP ticket from Akaltara constituency in Janjgir-Champa district.&nbsp;

Till recently, the four-member Jogi family was representing three different political parties.

While Jogi and his son are in the JCC, Jogi's wife -- Renu Jogi -- was with the Congress before being denied ticket and has now switched sides to his husband's party.&nbsp;

Many poll pundits feel Jogi could also play the role of a kingmaker in Chhattisgarh in case of a hung verdict, while his alignment with Mayawati could give him a noticeable say for the Lok Sabha elections next year, especially during of alignment of non-BJP forces to take on the saffron party.

Jogi is known to have some influence in Madhya Pradesh as well, besides Chhattisgarh and the two states together account for 40 Lok Sabha seats, including 15 reserved for SC/ST candidates.

In UP, where Mayawati is a strong force, there are total 80 Lok Sabha seats, including 17 reserved for SC.

Mayawati's party also has some presence in several other states and union territories, including Delhi, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Bihar, besides Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The 62-year Dalit leader served as chief minister for three brief periods, first being in 1995, before she had a full five-year tenure during 2007-2012. However, her last tenure was also marked with allegations of corruption.

Besides, she has had three terms each in Lok Sabha and in Rajya Sabha.

In the last Lok Sabha polls in 2014, the BSP did not get a single seat but it was the third largest party in terms of vote share (over 4 per cent with nearly 2.3 crore voters).

The party candidates came second on as many as 34 seats, while its vote share in Uttar Pradesh was nearly 20 per cent.

The BSP had won 21 Lok Sabha seats in 2009 elections. In the Uttar Pradesh assembly, the BSP had got 206 out of 403 assembly seats in 2007, but the tally took a deep plunge to 80 in 2012 and even deeper to just 19 in the 2017 state elections.

Jogi's alliance with Mayawati is seen as significant as the Dalit leader from Uttar Pradesh was also being wooed by the Congress and other opposition parties for a broader non-BJP alliance ahead of the 2019 general elections to give a united fight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It is an alliance that took shape in just a few hours of discussion and the former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi wants it to continue till the 2019 general elections by projecting his ally and BSP supremo Mayawati as the prime ministerial candidate.

It is an alliance that took shape in just a few hours of discussion and the former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi wants it to continue till the 2019 general elections by projecting his ally and BSP supremo Mayawati as the prime ministerial candidate. "Mayawatiji deserves to be the country's prime minister. She is appropriate for the post and she has the potential," Jogi said. Describing the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief as a natural leader, the bureaucrat-turned-politician told PTI in an interview, "There are various things that work in her favour. She is a woman, a Dalit and also has an experience of serving as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh four times." Jogi, 72, is the chief ministerial candidate of the alliance. He had earlier served as Chhattisgarh's first chief minister as a Congress leader between 2000 and 2003 after the tribal-dominated state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. However, the Congress could not return to power after Jogi's tenure ended and the BJP leader Raman Singh has served as its chief minister for nearly 15 years since then. One reason many cite for Congress' failure to come back to power in the state is infighting among various state leaders. Jogi left the Congress in 2016. While Chhattisgarh has always seen a two-way fight between the arch rivals BJP and Congress, Jogi-Mayawati alliance has become a keenly-watched third force this time. Even Chief Minister Singh, a BJP stalwart in the state where elections for 90 assembly seats would be held in two phases on November 12 and November 20, has acknowledged that Jogi would impact the Bharatiya Janata Party as well as the Congress. The BSP has one MLA in the outgoing assembly, while its vote share fell to 4.27 per cent in 2013. However, combining of forces between Jogi and Mayawati is being seen as having a multiplier effect, especially in terms of caste equations. Out of 90 total seats, 29 are reserved for tribals and 10 for Scheduled Castes. In the non-reserved seats, the population of SCs is more than 10 per cent in 40 assemblies. Besides, the other backward classes constitute about 48 per cent of the state's population. While Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party is known to attract Dalit voters, Jogi himself is said to have a stronghold among voters from his caste base of Mahars and Satnamis. Pitching Mayawati's name for the prime minister, Jogi said the BSP supremo deserves the country's top post and she is an appropriate candidate for it. "The alliance between these two parties is a natural alliance and it will last beyond 2019 general elections," Jogi said. When asked how the alliance was formed between the two parties, Jogi said it took just a few hours to forge the partnership as both parties are almost on the same page ideologically. "I met Mayawatiji and we discussed for few hours and then decided to contest the election together for the state assembly and I will be the chief ministerial candidate," Jogi said. Talking about the two-phase polls, Jogi said the real contest would be between the JCC-BSP alliance and the ruling BJP, while he termed the Congress a "spent force". The Congress has no organisation, no workers in the state and above all it is without any leader, he said. Jogi's daughter-in-law Richa Jogi is contesting on BSP ticket from Akaltara constituency in Janjgir-Champa district. Till recently, the four-member Jogi family was representing three different political parties. While Jogi and his son are in the JCC, Jogi's wife -- Renu Jogi -- was with the Congress before being denied ticket and has now switched sides to his husband's party. Many poll pundits feel Jogi could also play the role of a kingmaker in Chhattisgarh in case of a hung verdict, while his alignment with Mayawati could give him a noticeable say for the Lok Sabha elections next year, especially during of alignment of non-BJP forces to take on the saffron party. Jogi is known to have some influence in Madhya Pradesh as well, besides Chhattisgarh and the two states together account for 40 Lok Sabha seats, including 15 reserved for SC/ST candidates. In UP, where Mayawati is a strong force, there are total 80 Lok Sabha seats, including 17 reserved for SC. Mayawati's party also has some presence in several other states and union territories, including Delhi, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Bihar, besides Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The 62-year Dalit leader served as chief minister for three brief periods, first being in 1995, before she had a full five-year tenure during 2007-2012. However, her last tenure was also marked with allegations of corruption. Besides, she has had three terms each in Lok Sabha and in Rajya Sabha. In the last Lok Sabha polls in 2014, the BSP did not get a single seat but it was the third largest party in terms of vote share (over 4 per cent with nearly 2.3 crore voters). The party candidates came second on as many as 34 seats, while its vote share in Uttar Pradesh was nearly 20 per cent. The BSP had won 21 Lok Sabha seats in 2009 elections. In the Uttar Pradesh assembly, the BSP had got 206 out of 403 assembly seats in 2007, but the tally took a deep plunge to 80 in 2012 and even deeper to just 19 in the 2017 state elections. Jogi's alliance with Mayawati is seen as significant as the Dalit leader from Uttar Pradesh was also being wooed by the Congress and other opposition parties for a broader non-BJP alliance ahead of the 2019 general elections to give a united fight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Took just few hours to forge alliance with Mayawati, will project her as PM candidate: Ajit Jogi

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has said it will play a key role in the formation of the next government in Madhya Pradesh as it expects a fractured verdict in the November 28 assembly polls.

Madhya Pradesh BSP president Pradeep Ahirwar said the party will vastly improve its tally and win 32 seats, and can even think of heading the next government. 
The state has a 230-member assembly.

"Neither the BJP nor the Congress is going to get a majority. In this case, the Congress would support us to form the government in Madhya Pradesh," he said without elaborating.

The Dalit party, which refused to enter into a pre- poll alliance with the Congress, is going it alone in the central state, where the BJP is in power since 2003. 
"We are going to win 32 assembly seats and create a record in our history of 34 years in Madhya Pradesh due to strong anti-incumbency wave against the BJP and Dalit unity," he told PTI in an interview.

"The key to next government formation will be with Behenji Mayawatiji (the BSP president)," he said.

"Our first priority is to form government in MP. We want Behanji to call the political shots in the state," Ahirwar said.

The BSP leader ruled out backing the BJP post-poll.

Ahirwar said Mayawati will address rallies in the state between November 18 and November 26.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister will address three public meetings each in Rewa and Chambal divisions and one each in Bhopal and the Mahakoshal region, he said.

Asked about Congress leader Digvijay Singh's remark that the BSP could not enter into an alliance with his party in MP due to the Centre's pressure on Mayawati, he dismissed the statement as a "total lie".

"Whatever the former state chief minister (Singh) had stated was totally wrong. The BSP's history in MP is that it fights elections on its own strength. The Congress is going to pay a price in the polls due to Digvijay's comment," he said.

Ahirwar said his party has pockets of influence in MP, where it won 11 assembly seats each in 1993, 1998 and two in 2003, seven in 2008 and four in 2013.

According to estimates, Dalits account for 15 per cent of the population in Madhya Pradesh.

"We are sitting pretty on 32 seats and in 75 other assembly segments our position is very strong," he said.

"The BSP emerged strong in Morena, Rewa, Satna, Datia and Gwalior districts in the last assembly polls," he said.

"We are going to open our accounts in Chhatarpur, Panna, Shivpuri, Sheopur, Damoh, Katni, Balaghat and Singrauli districts," Ahirwar claimed.

The party's vote share was 8.97 per cent in 2008 which dipped to 6.29 per cent in the 2013 polls.

He said the people in MP, especially farmers, are unhappy with the BJP government following the police firing on cultivators at Pipaliya Mandi in Mandsaur district that left six farmers dead last year.

"The youth are peeved at lack of job avenues in MP. Vyapam, a massive admission and recruitment racket, had shattered their dream of getting government jobs," he added.

In the last assembly polls, the BJP had won 165 seats, while the Congress bagged 58. Their vote share was 44.48 per cent and 36.38 per cent, respectively.&nbsp;

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has said it will play a key role in the formation of the next government in Madhya Pradesh as it expects a fractured verdict in the November 28 assembly polls.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has said it will play a key role in the formation of the next government in Madhya Pradesh as it expects a fractured verdict in the November 28 assembly polls. Madhya Pradesh BSP president Pradeep Ahirwar said the party will vastly improve its tally and win 32 seats, and can even think of heading the next government. The state has a 230-member assembly. "Neither the BJP nor the Congress is going to get a majority. In this case, the Congress would support us to form the government in Madhya Pradesh," he said without elaborating. The Dalit party, which refused to enter into a pre- poll alliance with the Congress, is going it alone in the central state, where the BJP is in power since 2003. "We are going to win 32 assembly seats and create a record in our history of 34 years in Madhya Pradesh due to strong anti-incumbency wave against the BJP and Dalit unity," he told PTI in an interview. "The key to next government formation will be with Behenji Mayawatiji (the BSP president)," he said. "Our first priority is to form government in MP. We want Behanji to call the political shots in the state," Ahirwar said. The BSP leader ruled out backing the BJP post-poll. Ahirwar said Mayawati will address rallies in the state between November 18 and November 26. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister will address three public meetings each in Rewa and Chambal divisions and one each in Bhopal and the Mahakoshal region, he said. Asked about Congress leader Digvijay Singh's remark that the BSP could not enter into an alliance with his party in MP due to the Centre's pressure on Mayawati, he dismissed the statement as a "total lie". "Whatever the former state chief minister (Singh) had stated was totally wrong. The BSP's history in MP is that it fights elections on its own strength. The Congress is going to pay a price in the polls due to Digvijay's comment," he said. Ahirwar said his party has pockets of influence in MP, where it won 11 assembly seats each in 1993, 1998 and two in 2003, seven in 2008 and four in 2013. According to estimates, Dalits account for 15 per cent of the population in Madhya Pradesh. "We are sitting pretty on 32 seats and in 75 other assembly segments our position is very strong," he said. "The BSP emerged strong in Morena, Rewa, Satna, Datia and Gwalior districts in the last assembly polls," he said. "We are going to open our accounts in Chhatarpur, Panna, Shivpuri, Sheopur, Damoh, Katni, Balaghat and Singrauli districts," Ahirwar claimed. The party's vote share was 8.97 per cent in 2008 which dipped to 6.29 per cent in the 2013 polls. He said the people in MP, especially farmers, are unhappy with the BJP government following the police firing on cultivators at Pipaliya Mandi in Mandsaur district that left six farmers dead last year. "The youth are peeved at lack of job avenues in MP. Vyapam, a massive admission and recruitment racket, had shattered their dream of getting government jobs," he added. In the last assembly polls, the BJP had won 165 seats, while the Congress bagged 58. Their vote share was 44.48 per cent and 36.38 per cent, respectively.

Mayawati's BSP says it holds 'key' to next government in Madhya Pradesh

In the run-up to the polls in Chhattisgarh, Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati on Sunday asserted that if her party emerges victorious, minority communities, the poor and Muslims residing in the state will be uplifted.

The BSP supremo further asserted that the Naxals in the area will leave the path of violence to shun the path of violence and will work towards their development.

"Till now, several governments belonging to different political parties have ruled Chhattisgarh. But none of them have done enough for the development of poor, backward and Dalits. If my party will get the majority of votes, all the people, especially Dalits, Muslims, backward classes and the poor will be benefitted and their status will be uplifted in the society. Naxals will also leave the path of violence and will start working in the right direction," she said.

"By electing BJP as the single winner in the elections, all the dreams of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar will soon be fulfilled as my party will work day and night to provide support and relief to Dalits, Muslims, and other groups," she added.

While addressing the rally in Akaltara, Mayawati also touched upon the issue of reservation and alleged that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-government at the Centre has diluted many acts pertaining to reservations for downtrodden sections of the country.

She also stated that both Congress and BJP, while in power, are not in favour of implementing the recommendations of the Mandal Commission.

"When Congress was in power they also didn't take any initiative to implement the Mandal Commission. Now that BJP is in power, they are not interested in the implementation and betterment of the Dalits and other backward classes. They both want to put an end to the reservation," she said.

Further training guns at the BJP, Mayawati said that increased prices of fuel, CNG and other products have made it difficult for people to make their ends meet.

"By implementing weak policies, the present government has created unemployment, inflation in the country. Not only that by increasing the prices of the cylinder, people not only in Chhattisgarh but also across India are facing issues," she added.

The 62-year-old claimed that while her party was in power in Uttar Pradesh, the demands of every community were fulfilled sans discrimination. "A compensation was also given to people who faced unemployment and basic facilities were provided to all especially farmers, women, poor, small businessmen," she added.

Elections to the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly are scheduled to be held in the two phases this month. The first Phase for 18 seats in South Chhattisgarh will be held on November 12 and second for remaining 72 seats of North Chhattisgarh will be held on November 20.

The counting of votes will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

In the run-up to the polls in Chhattisgarh, Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati on Sunday asserted that if her party emerges victorious, minority communities, the poor and Muslims residing in the state will be uplifted.

In the run-up to the polls in Chhattisgarh, Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati on Sunday asserted that if her party emerges victorious, minority communities, the poor and Muslims residing in the state will be uplifted. The BSP supremo further asserted that the Naxals in the area will leave the path of violence to shun the path of violence and will work towards their development. "Till now, several governments belonging to different political parties have ruled Chhattisgarh. But none of them have done enough for the development of poor, backward and Dalits. If my party will get the majority of votes, all the people, especially Dalits, Muslims, backward classes and the poor will be benefitted and their status will be uplifted in the society. Naxals will also leave the path of violence and will start working in the right direction," she said. "By electing BJP as the single winner in the elections, all the dreams of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar will soon be fulfilled as my party will work day and night to provide support and relief to Dalits, Muslims, and other groups," she added. While addressing the rally in Akaltara, Mayawati also touched upon the issue of reservation and alleged that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-government at the Centre has diluted many acts pertaining to reservations for downtrodden sections of the country. She also stated that both Congress and BJP, while in power, are not in favour of implementing the recommendations of the Mandal Commission. "When Congress was in power they also didn't take any initiative to implement the Mandal Commission. Now that BJP is in power, they are not interested in the implementation and betterment of the Dalits and other backward classes. They both want to put an end to the reservation," she said. Further training guns at the BJP, Mayawati said that increased prices of fuel, CNG and other products have made it difficult for people to make their ends meet. "By implementing weak policies, the present government has created unemployment, inflation in the country. Not only that by increasing the prices of the cylinder, people not only in Chhattisgarh but also across India are facing issues," she added. The 62-year-old claimed that while her party was in power in Uttar Pradesh, the demands of every community were fulfilled sans discrimination. "A compensation was also given to people who faced unemployment and basic facilities were provided to all especially farmers, women, poor, small businessmen," she added. Elections to the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly are scheduled to be held in the two phases this month. The first Phase for 18 seats in South Chhattisgarh will be held on November 12 and second for remaining 72 seats of North Chhattisgarh will be held on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Chhattisgarh polls: Naxals will shun violence if BSP regains power, says Mayawati

Ordinarily speaking, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati’s decision to not ally with the Congress for the upcoming Assembly elections in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, should not have caused a ripple, much less led to a raucous debate it did in the media. 
 
The BSP is not considered a major force in either of the two States. In the 2013 poll, the party secured just a little over six per cent of the votes in Madhya Pradesh, while in Rajasthan it had fared even more miserably — getting less than three-and-a-half per cent. In both these instances, the BSP had done worse than it did in 2008. This, despite the fact that the Scheduled Caste population in both the States is good enough to have made Mayawati a force to reckon with; over 15 per cent Madhya Pradesh and 18 per cent in Rajasthan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mayawati’s flexing of muscles has alarmed the Congress for reasons that go beyond these two States. The first is that she has made a mockery of efforts to cobble together a larger anti-BJP alliance in time for the 2019 Lok Sabha election. 
 
Though she has not categorically ruled out a coalition with a Congress-led opposition for the general election, the tirade she launched against the country’s oldest national party could be relevant for 2019 as well. She called the Congress casteist and corrupt. Senior members of her party, taking a cue, added their bit, accusing the Congress of being arrogant and detached from ground realities.

Part of this outburst can be attributed to the Congress’s disinclination to entertain the high number of seats the BSP had been demanding in both the States — a number that, according to Congress leaders, was simply out of proportion to the BSP’s winnability factor. But the part reason is also about the discomfort in the BSP over ceding prime space to Congress president Rahul Gandhi in national calculations.&nbsp;

It’s an uneasiness which the BSP alone does not have. Prominent regional satraps, including Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, share her opinion. Samajwadi party spokespersons virtually backed Mayawati’s decision to go it alone in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and instead advised the Congress to show flexibility The Samajwadi Party and the BSP have already formed an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, and neither is in dire need of the Congress in the State. This bodes ill for the Congress in Uttar Pradesh, a State which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha. The Congress is especially vulnerable here and simply cannot do much without riding piggyback on either the BSP or the Samajwadi Party or both.&nbsp;

The Congress interprets Mayawati’s decision as a snub because she pulled the rung from under its feet even as negotiations were on between the two. Besides, it felt upset that in the midst of talks earlier on, the BSP chief had unilaterally announced her candidates for two dozen seats in Madhya Pradesh. But announcing a clutch of her candidates for Madhya Pradesh was not the only indication Mayawati gave; she tied up with Ajit Jogi’s Chhattisgarh Janata Congress, the Congress’s bitter rival in Chhattisgarh, the other State which votes for a new Assembly. It didn’t help that Jogi had been a prominent Congress leader in the State once upon a time and was now determined to finish off his former party.&nbsp;

Mayawati does command more attention and consideration than what electoral statistics would suggest. Her party could not win a single Lok Sabha seat in the 2014 election. It came a distant third in the 2017 Assembly election in Uttar Pradesh, failing to outperform even the Samajwadi Party which had been deeply fractured as a result of a family feud. In the given situation, many expected her to gratefully accept whatever she got out of alliances. But she has surprised them all. Her confidence stems from the fact that she remains a mass leader and can tilt the scales in contests that matter — definitely so in Uttar Pradesh and also in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, though only in a few pockets. But, most importantly, the larger opposition unity project will be in doldrums minus her participation.&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ordinarily speaking, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati’s decision to not ally with the Congress for the upcoming Assembly elections in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, should not have caused a ripple, much less led to a raucous debate it did in the media.

Ordinarily speaking, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati’s decision to not ally with the Congress for the upcoming Assembly elections in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, should not have caused a ripple, much less led to a raucous debate it did in the media. The BSP is not considered a major force in either of the two States. In the 2013 poll, the party secured just a little over six per cent of the votes in Madhya Pradesh, while in Rajasthan it had fared even more miserably — getting less than three-and-a-half per cent. In both these instances, the BSP had done worse than it did in 2008. This, despite the fact that the Scheduled Caste population in both the States is good enough to have made Mayawati a force to reckon with; over 15 per cent Madhya Pradesh and 18 per cent in Rajasthan. Mayawati’s flexing of muscles has alarmed the Congress for reasons that go beyond these two States. The first is that she has made a mockery of efforts to cobble together a larger anti-BJP alliance in time for the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Though she has not categorically ruled out a coalition with a Congress-led opposition for the general election, the tirade she launched against the country’s oldest national party could be relevant for 2019 as well. She called the Congress casteist and corrupt. Senior members of her party, taking a cue, added their bit, accusing the Congress of being arrogant and detached from ground realities. Part of this outburst can be attributed to the Congress’s disinclination to entertain the high number of seats the BSP had been demanding in both the States — a number that, according to Congress leaders, was simply out of proportion to the BSP’s winnability factor. But the part reason is also about the discomfort in the BSP over ceding prime space to Congress president Rahul Gandhi in national calculations. It’s an uneasiness which the BSP alone does not have. Prominent regional satraps, including Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, share her opinion. Samajwadi party spokespersons virtually backed Mayawati’s decision to go it alone in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and instead advised the Congress to show flexibility The Samajwadi Party and the BSP have already formed an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, and neither is in dire need of the Congress in the State. This bodes ill for the Congress in Uttar Pradesh, a State which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha. The Congress is especially vulnerable here and simply cannot do much without riding piggyback on either the BSP or the Samajwadi Party or both. The Congress interprets Mayawati’s decision as a snub because she pulled the rung from under its feet even as negotiations were on between the two. Besides, it felt upset that in the midst of talks earlier on, the BSP chief had unilaterally announced her candidates for two dozen seats in Madhya Pradesh. But announcing a clutch of her candidates for Madhya Pradesh was not the only indication Mayawati gave; she tied up with Ajit Jogi’s Chhattisgarh Janata Congress, the Congress’s bitter rival in Chhattisgarh, the other State which votes for a new Assembly. It didn’t help that Jogi had been a prominent Congress leader in the State once upon a time and was now determined to finish off his former party. Mayawati does command more attention and consideration than what electoral statistics would suggest. Her party could not win a single Lok Sabha seat in the 2014 election. It came a distant third in the 2017 Assembly election in Uttar Pradesh, failing to outperform even the Samajwadi Party which had been deeply fractured as a result of a family feud. In the given situation, many expected her to gratefully accept whatever she got out of alliances. But she has surprised them all. Her confidence stems from the fact that she remains a mass leader and can tilt the scales in contests that matter — definitely so in Uttar Pradesh and also in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, though only in a few pockets. But, most importantly, the larger opposition unity project will be in doldrums minus her participation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Mayawati upsets Congress calculations;  will this impact 2019 scenario?

BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday condemned BJP chief Amit Shah's remarks on the Sabarimala verdict, saying the court should take cognisance of the "irresponsible and provocative statement".

In a statement here, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo said that Shah's remarks showed "the democracy of the country is in danger".

Addressing a gathering in Kerala's Kannur on Saturday, Shah listed court verdicts which have not been implemented, including on 'Jallikattu' (traditional bull taming sport of Tamil Nadu) and prohibiting loudspeakers in mosques, and said "impractical" directions should not be given by courts and they should pass orders that can be implemented.

"The statement of the ruling party president is condemnable and irresponsible. The court should take cognisance. It shows the democracy of the country is in danger. Autonomous institutions such as CBI, CVC, ED and RBI are facing a crisis due to the wrong perspective of the government and ego," Mayawati said.

"On this serious matter of Sabarimala temple, BJP leader's speech is provocative and an attempt to take political mileage in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan polls," she said, terming it "unconstitutional and unparliamentary".

"If the BJP is not satisfied with the SC decision allowing women's entry into the temple, they should approach the court and not create chaos on roads or threaten to dismiss elected government," Mayawati said, adding that the BJP wanted to divert attention of the people from core issues by raking up religious matters.

On September 28, the Supreme Court paved the way for the entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict, said that banning the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine is gender discrimination and the practice violates rights of Hindu women.&nbsp;

BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday condemned BJP chief Amit Shah's remarks on the Sabarimala verdict, saying the court should take cognisance of the "irresponsible and provocative statement".

BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday condemned BJP chief Amit Shah's remarks on the Sabarimala verdict, saying the court should take cognisance of the "irresponsible and provocative statement". In a statement here, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo said that Shah's remarks showed "the democracy of the country is in danger". Addressing a gathering in Kerala's Kannur on Saturday, Shah listed court verdicts which have not been implemented, including on 'Jallikattu' (traditional bull taming sport of Tamil Nadu) and prohibiting loudspeakers in mosques, and said "impractical" directions should not be given by courts and they should pass orders that can be implemented. "The statement of the ruling party president is condemnable and irresponsible. The court should take cognisance. It shows the democracy of the country is in danger. Autonomous institutions such as CBI, CVC, ED and RBI are facing a crisis due to the wrong perspective of the government and ego," Mayawati said. "On this serious matter of Sabarimala temple, BJP leader's speech is provocative and an attempt to take political mileage in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan polls," she said, terming it "unconstitutional and unparliamentary". "If the BJP is not satisfied with the SC decision allowing women's entry into the temple, they should approach the court and not create chaos on roads or threaten to dismiss elected government," Mayawati said, adding that the BJP wanted to divert attention of the people from core issues by raking up religious matters. On September 28, the Supreme Court paved the way for the entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala. A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict, said that banning the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine is gender discrimination and the practice violates rights of Hindu women.

Amit Shah's Sabarimala remarks provocative, court should take cognisance: BSP

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is planning to contest on all 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan, which is going to polls on December 7.

The party won three seats in the 2013-assembly elections by securing 3.37 per cent vote share, which was 7.60 per cent in the 2008-elections when the party had won six MLAs.

"Our preparations are in full swing and we will contest on all 200 seats in the forthcoming elections," state party vice-president Dungarram Gedar said.

In the last assembly elections, the party had contested in 195 constituencies.&nbsp;

He informed that the tickets will be finalised soon and BSP chief Mayawati will hold rallies in the state.

"We are expecting to increase our tally in the 2018-elections because people are unhappy with both the BJP and the Congress. There is a resentment against the ruling BJP and people are not seeing any hope in the Congress," another BSP leader Bhagwan Singh said.

He informed that the party chief will hold rallies in different parts of the state during elections.

Districts in eastern Rajasthan like Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Sawaimadhopur, Alwar and in northern parts like Hanumangarh, Sriganganagar, Bikaner has significant number of Scheduled Castes (SC) population, which is the vote bank of the party.

In the state, there are 34 SC and 25 ST seats out of the total 200 seats.

"The BSP is contesting solo and the Congress is going to suffer a loss," he said on Mayawati's recent announcement of not having alliance with the Congress for contesting assembly polls in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

The party is contesting assembly elections in the state since 1990, but it registered its first victory in 1998 by winning two seats.&nbsp;

In 1998, the party had fielded 108 candidates and secured 2.17 per cent vote share.

In 2003 elections, the BSP fought in 124 constituencies and won two seats and increased its vote share to 3.98 per cent.

The biggest victory of the party in the state was in the 2008-elections when six of the party's candidates won elections and the vote share increased to 7.60 per cent.

However, that victory was short-lived as all the six BSP MLAs joined the Congress and supported the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government.&nbsp;

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is planning to contest on all 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan, which is going to polls on December 7. The party won three seats in the 2013-assembly elections by securing 3.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is planning to contest on all 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan, which is going to polls on December 7. The party won three seats in the 2013-assembly elections by securing 3.37 per cent vote share, which was 7.60 per cent in the 2008-elections when the party had won six MLAs. "Our preparations are in full swing and we will contest on all 200 seats in the forthcoming elections," state party vice-president Dungarram Gedar said. In the last assembly elections, the party had contested in 195 constituencies. He informed that the tickets will be finalised soon and BSP chief Mayawati will hold rallies in the state. "We are expecting to increase our tally in the 2018-elections because people are unhappy with both the BJP and the Congress. There is a resentment against the ruling BJP and people are not seeing any hope in the Congress," another BSP leader Bhagwan Singh said. He informed that the party chief will hold rallies in different parts of the state during elections. Districts in eastern Rajasthan like Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Sawaimadhopur, Alwar and in northern parts like Hanumangarh, Sriganganagar, Bikaner has significant number of Scheduled Castes (SC) population, which is the vote bank of the party. In the state, there are 34 SC and 25 ST seats out of the total 200 seats. "The BSP is contesting solo and the Congress is going to suffer a loss," he said on Mayawati's recent announcement of not having alliance with the Congress for contesting assembly polls in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The party is contesting assembly elections in the state since 1990, but it registered its first victory in 1998 by winning two seats. In 1998, the party had fielded 108 candidates and secured 2.17 per cent vote share. In 2003 elections, the BSP fought in 124 constituencies and won two seats and increased its vote share to 3.98 per cent. The biggest victory of the party in the state was in the 2008-elections when six of the party's candidates won elections and the vote share increased to 7.60 per cent. However, that victory was short-lived as all the six BSP MLAs joined the Congress and supported the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government.

BSP plans to contest on all 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said Tuesday the BSP and the Samajwadi Party would be part of the grand alliance of opposition parties against the BJP-led NDA in the next year's Lok Sabha polls.

He also claimed the Congress will win at least four of the five states where assembly elections will be held over the next two months.

The former union minister's statement followed Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav's comment last week that his party would not wait for the Congress to decide on an alliance for the Madhya Pradesh elections any longer, hinting that he could go for a tie-up with Mayawati's BSP.

The SP's snub to the Congress came days after Mayawati ruled out a poll pact with the main opposition party for assembly elections in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Speaking to PTI, Moily said the proposed grand alliance was meant for Lok Sabha elections and not the state assemblies.

In state elections, parties have their own compulsions, he said.

"Our main ambition is to see that in parliamentary elections the opposition is united and we are likely to achieve that target," Moily said, exuding confidence that both the BSP and SP would be constituents of the grand alliance for the Lok Sabha polls.

Moily, a former Karnataka chief minister, claimed that votes would get polarised between the Congress and the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh assembly elections.

Moily said the Congress would win the Rajasthan elections and have an edge over the BJP in Madhya Pradesh.

"In Chhattisgarh, it's 50:50. There, it (the result) depends on our (poll) management...Selection of candidates," he said. "We are going to win in Mizoram," he asserted.

Moily also claimed that the Congress would bag Telangana in alliance with the TDP, CPI and other opposition parties.

"Chances are that out of the five states going to polls--Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana--the Congress is going to win at least four," he said.

On the prime ministerial candidate of the grand alliance, he said the issue might not arise because no party in the proposed grouping would insist on that.

"Ultimately, we will have to fight on the issue that we should defeat BJP and communal forces, that's the only issue. Leadership... Who should become prime minister, will be taken up at an appropriate time. That should not block the opposition unity," Moily said.

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said Tuesday the BSP and the Samajwadi Party would be part of the grand alliance of opposition parties against the BJP-led NDA in the next year's Lok Sabha polls.

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said Tuesday the BSP and the Samajwadi Party would be part of the grand alliance of opposition parties against the BJP-led NDA in the next year's Lok Sabha polls. He also claimed the Congress will win at least four of the five states where assembly elections will be held over the next two months. The former union minister's statement followed Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav's comment last week that his party would not wait for the Congress to decide on an alliance for the Madhya Pradesh elections any longer, hinting that he could go for a tie-up with Mayawati's BSP. The SP's snub to the Congress came days after Mayawati ruled out a poll pact with the main opposition party for assembly elections in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Speaking to PTI, Moily said the proposed grand alliance was meant for Lok Sabha elections and not the state assemblies. In state elections, parties have their own compulsions, he said. "Our main ambition is to see that in parliamentary elections the opposition is united and we are likely to achieve that target," Moily said, exuding confidence that both the BSP and SP would be constituents of the grand alliance for the Lok Sabha polls. Moily, a former Karnataka chief minister, claimed that votes would get polarised between the Congress and the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh assembly elections. Moily said the Congress would win the Rajasthan elections and have an edge over the BJP in Madhya Pradesh. "In Chhattisgarh, it's 50:50. There, it (the result) depends on our (poll) management...Selection of candidates," he said. "We are going to win in Mizoram," he asserted. Moily also claimed that the Congress would bag Telangana in alliance with the TDP, CPI and other opposition parties. "Chances are that out of the five states going to polls--Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana--the Congress is going to win at least four," he said. On the prime ministerial candidate of the grand alliance, he said the issue might not arise because no party in the proposed grouping would insist on that. "Ultimately, we will have to fight on the issue that we should defeat BJP and communal forces, that's the only issue. Leadership... Who should become prime minister, will be taken up at an appropriate time. That should not block the opposition unity," Moily said.

Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati will be in grand alliance for Lok Sabha poll: Congress leader Moily

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Wednesday reacted to BSP chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsp-will-fight-assembly-elections-alone-rajasthan-madhya-pradesh-mayawati-169191">Mayawati calling him a BJP agent</a> stating that he has been "one of the bitterest critics of PM Modi."

"Please ask her, as far as I am concerned, I had been one of the bitterest critics of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, BJP and the RSS. Rahul Gandhi is our Congress chief, we follow his directions," Singh noted.

He further added that he respects the BSP chief and is in favour of the Congress-BSP alliance.&nbsp;

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I've already made it clear that I respect Mayawati ji&amp;has been in favour of Congress-BSP alliance from beginning. In Chhattisgarh, there were talks for alliance but she didn't go for it. In MP too there were talks of alliance, she declared 22 candidates: Digvijaya Singh, Congress <a href="https://t.co/1K6ggE0bf3">pic.twitter.com/1K6ggE0bf3</a>
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"I've already made it clear that I respect Mayawati ji and have been in favour of Congress-BSP alliance from the beginning. In Chhattisgarh, there were talks for alliance but she didn't go for it. In MP too there were talks of an alliance, she declared 22 candidates," he added.&nbsp;

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Please ask her, as far as I am concerned, I had been one of the bitterest critics of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, BJP &amp; RSS. Rahul Gandhi is our Congress chief, we follow his directions: Digvijaya Singh, Congress on BSP chief Mayawati's statement on him <a href="https://t.co/5YjcU9c3WY">pic.twitter.com/5YjcU9c3WY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047466472048664577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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BSP chief Mayawati, earlier in the day, announced that her party will contest assembly elections without any alliance in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.&nbsp;

"Digvijaya Singh, who is also a BJP agent, is giving statements that Mayawati ji has a lot of pressure from Centre so she doesn’t want this alliance. This is baseless," the BSP chief added.&nbsp;

She also added that she feels that "Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest, however, some Congress leaders are sabotaging this."

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Wednesday reacted to BSP chief Mayawati calling him a BJP agent stating that he has been "one of the bitterest critics of PM Modi.

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Wednesday reacted to BSP chief Mayawati calling him a BJP agent stating that he has been "one of the bitterest critics of PM Modi." "Please ask her, as far as I am concerned, I had been one of the bitterest critics of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, BJP and the RSS. Rahul Gandhi is our Congress chief, we follow his directions," Singh noted. He further added that he respects the BSP chief and is in favour of the Congress-BSP alliance. I've already made it clear that I respect Mayawati ji&has been in favour of Congress-BSP alliance from beginning. In Chhattisgarh, there were talks for alliance but she didn't go for it. In MP too there were talks of alliance, she declared 22 candidates: Digvijaya Singh, Congress pic.twitter.com/1K6ggE0bf3 — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × "I've already made it clear that I respect Mayawati ji and have been in favour of Congress-BSP alliance from the beginning. In Chhattisgarh, there were talks for alliance but she didn't go for it. In MP too there were talks of an alliance, she declared 22 candidates," he added. Please ask her, as far as I am concerned, I had been one of the bitterest critics of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, BJP & RSS. Rahul Gandhi is our Congress chief, we follow his directions: Digvijaya Singh, Congress on BSP chief Mayawati's statement on him pic.twitter.com/5YjcU9c3WY — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × BSP chief Mayawati, earlier in the day, announced that her party will contest assembly elections without any alliance in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. "Digvijaya Singh, who is also a BJP agent, is giving statements that Mayawati ji has a lot of pressure from Centre so she doesn’t want this alliance. This is baseless," the BSP chief added. She also added that she feels that "Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest, however, some Congress leaders are sabotaging this."

I am biggest Modi critic: Digvijay Singh on Mayawati's 'BJP agent' jibe 

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Wednesday announced that the BSP will contest assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on its own sans any alliance, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

At a press briefing in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati accused the BJP and the Congress of conspiring against her party and trying to finish it.&nbsp;

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Congress, like the BJP, is conspiring to finish off our (BSP) party: BSP Chief Mayawati to ANI <a href="https://t.co/gCPoSSaaG1">pic.twitter.com/gCPoSSaaG1</a>
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"Congress is getting arrogant and are under the misconception that they can defeat the BJP on their own but the ground reality is that people haven't forgiven Congress party for their mistakes and corruption... They don't seem to be ready to rectify themselves," she noted.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Delhi: BSP Chief Mayawati's reaction when asked if there is any possibility of a BSP-Congress alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha &amp; assembly elections. <a href="https://t.co/jAztvwiV7r">pic.twitter.com/jAztvwiV7r</a>
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She also added that she feels that "Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest, however, some Congress leaders are sabotaging this."

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They (Congress) are getting arrogant &amp; are under misconception that they can defeat BJP on their own but the ground reality is that people haven't forgiven Congress party for their mistakes&amp;corruption...They don't seem to be ready to rectify themselves: BSP chief Mayawati to ANI <a href="https://t.co/sjdOMaKN4c">pic.twitter.com/sjdOMaKN4c</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1047438202007633920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Digvijaya Singh, who is also a BJP agent, is giving statements that Mayawati ji has a lot of pressure from Centre so she doesn’t want this alliance. This is baseless," the BSP chief added.&nbsp;

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I feel that Sonia Gandhi &amp; Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest. However some Congress leaders are sabotaging this : BSP Chief Mayawati to ANI <a href="https://t.co/KNZyCgD0rX">pic.twitter.com/KNZyCgD0rX</a>
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Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are slated to go assembly polls later this year.&nbsp;

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Wednesday announced that the BSP will contest assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on its own sans any alliance, news agency ANI reported.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Wednesday announced that the BSP will contest assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on its own sans any alliance, news agency ANI reported. At a press briefing in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati accused the BJP and the Congress of conspiring against her party and trying to finish it. Congress, like the BJP, is conspiring to finish off our (BSP) party: BSP Chief Mayawati to ANI pic.twitter.com/gCPoSSaaG1 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 3, 2018 × "Congress is getting arrogant and are under the misconception that they can defeat the BJP on their own but the ground reality is that people haven't forgiven Congress party for their mistakes and corruption... They don't seem to be ready to rectify themselves," she noted. #WATCH Delhi: BSP Chief Mayawati's reaction when asked if there is any possibility of a BSP-Congress alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha & assembly elections. pic.twitter.com/jAztvwiV7r — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 3, 2018 × She also added that she feels that "Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest, however, some Congress leaders are sabotaging this." They (Congress) are getting arrogant & are under misconception that they can defeat BJP on their own but the ground reality is that people haven't forgiven Congress party for their mistakes&corruption...They don't seem to be ready to rectify themselves: BSP chief Mayawati to ANI pic.twitter.com/sjdOMaKN4c — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 3, 2018 × "Digvijaya Singh, who is also a BJP agent, is giving statements that Mayawati ji has a lot of pressure from Centre so she doesn’t want this alliance. This is baseless," the BSP chief added. I feel that Sonia Gandhi & Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest. However some Congress leaders are sabotaging this : BSP Chief Mayawati to ANI pic.twitter.com/KNZyCgD0rX — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 3, 2018 × Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are slated to go assembly polls later this year.

Watch: Mayawati says BSP will fight assembly elections alone in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has said that he was ready to sacrifice his party's seats&nbsp;to continue alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party.

He said their motive was to win elections against BJP and defeat them.

Yadav said,"Our alliance with BSP will continue, in 2019 even if we have to give up a few seats we will do it. We have to ensure BJP is defeated."

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Yadav's remake has come after BSP chief Mayawati said in a national executive meet last month that she would come in alliance with other parties only after her party gets" a respectable number of seats", a media reported.

While Uttar Pradesh minister Swami Prasad Maurya said that the alliance between "Bua and Babua" (Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav) will finish off before the 2019 elections.

He said that because the coalition between Mayawati and Akhilesh was an issue-less alliance, the two will finish off with fighting among themselves.

Maurya said, "Bua and Babua (Mayawati & Akhilesh Yadav) will finish off with fighting among themselves. This isn't an alliance based on issues. An issue-less alliance never works. They will finish off before the election (2019) comes".

Akhilesh Yadav was on his visit to Manipur to unveil the statue of a former pradhan in Jauri village.

The BSP-SP alliance recently rooted out BJP from Gorakhpur, Kairana, Noorpur and Phulpur seats in the&nbsp;bypolls.

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Our alliance with BSP will continue, in 2019 even if we have to give up a few seats we will do it. We have to ensure BJP is defeated: Akhilesh Yadav,SP <a href="https://t.co/5vq4AA9frs">pic.twitter.com/5vq4AA9frs</a>
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Yadav said,'Our alliance with BSP will continue, in 2019 even if we have to give up a few seats we will do it. We have to ensure BJP is defeated'

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has said that he was ready to sacrifice his party's seats to continue alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party. He said their motive was to win elections against BJP and defeat them. Yadav said,"Our alliance with BSP will continue, in 2019 even if we have to give up a few seats we will do it. We have to ensure BJP is defeated." × Yadav's remake has come after BSP chief Mayawati said in a national executive meet last month that she would come in alliance with other parties only after her party gets" a respectable number of seats", a media reported. While Uttar Pradesh minister Swami Prasad Maurya said that the alliance between "Bua and Babua" (Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav) will finish off before the 2019 elections. He said that because the coalition between Mayawati and Akhilesh was an issue-less alliance, the two will finish off with fighting among themselves. Maurya said, "Bua and Babua (Mayawati & Akhilesh Yadav) will finish off with fighting among themselves. This isn't an alliance based on issues. An issue-less alliance never works. They will finish off before the election (2019) comes". Akhilesh Yadav was on his visit to Manipur to unveil the statue of a former pradhan in Jauri village. The BSP-SP alliance recently rooted out BJP from Gorakhpur, Kairana, Noorpur and Phulpur seats in the bypolls. Our alliance with BSP will continue, in 2019 even if we have to give up a few seats we will do it. We have to ensure BJP is defeated: Akhilesh Yadav,SP pic.twitter.com/5vq4AA9frs — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 11, 2018 ×

Ready to sacrifice our own seats to continue alliance with BSP: Akhilesh Yadav

BSP Chief Mayawati on Wednesday vacated her bungalow in Lucknow in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

News agency ANI reported that BSP supremo, who occupied bungalow no. 6, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Lucknow, &nbsp;has vacated in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

The bungalow was allotted to her in the capacity of former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Supreme Court has recently ordered former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers to vacate their official residences.

The Supreme Court had earlier this month said that former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh cannot retain government accommodation after demitting office, observing that a chief minister was at par with a common man once his or her term ends.

The court was hearing a petition filed by NGO Lok Prahari, challenging the amendments made by the erstwhile Akhilesh Yadav government to the UP Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1981.

As per the notice served by the UP Government after Supreme Court’s order, six former CMs of UP, including Mayawati and Akhilesh, will have to vacate their government bungalows by the end of this month.

Though Mayawati is set to vacate her government bungalow situated at 13A Mall Avenue and is reportedly moving to a new address 9 Mall Avenue, which happens to be bang opposite to her house. But on Monday morning one board had come up at 13A Mall Avenue which read 'Kanshiram Yaadgar Vishram Sthal'.

Earlier reports said that instead of vacating her official residence at 13 A, Mall Avenue, Lucknow, Mayawati has reportedly gotten a signboard on the premises declaring it to be ‘Shri Kanshiram Ji Yaadgar Vishraam Sthal’.

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BSP Chief Mayawati vacated bungalow no. 6, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Lucknow in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court. The bungalow was allotted to her in the capacity of former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/I1nIsTohsa">pic.twitter.com/I1nIsTohsa</a>
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The bungalow was allotted to her in the capacity of former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh

BSP Chief Mayawati on Wednesday vacated her bungalow in Lucknow in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court. News agency ANI reported that BSP supremo, who occupied bungalow no. 6, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Lucknow, has vacated in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court. The bungalow was allotted to her in the capacity of former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Supreme Court has recently ordered former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers to vacate their official residences. The Supreme Court had earlier this month said that former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh cannot retain government accommodation after demitting office, observing that a chief minister was at par with a common man once his or her term ends. The court was hearing a petition filed by NGO Lok Prahari, challenging the amendments made by the erstwhile Akhilesh Yadav government to the UP Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1981. As per the notice served by the UP Government after Supreme Court’s order, six former CMs of UP, including Mayawati and Akhilesh, will have to vacate their government bungalows by the end of this month. Though Mayawati is set to vacate her government bungalow situated at 13A Mall Avenue and is reportedly moving to a new address 9 Mall Avenue, which happens to be bang opposite to her house. But on Monday morning one board had come up at 13A Mall Avenue which read 'Kanshiram Yaadgar Vishram Sthal'. Earlier reports said that instead of vacating her official residence at 13 A, Mall Avenue, Lucknow, Mayawati has reportedly gotten a signboard on the premises declaring it to be ‘Shri Kanshiram Ji Yaadgar Vishraam Sthal’. BSP Chief Mayawati vacated bungalow no. 6, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Lucknow in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court. The bungalow was allotted to her in the capacity of former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/I1nIsTohsa — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 30, 2018 ×

Mayawati vacates bungalow in compliance with orders of Supreme Court

BSP chief Mayawati today announced changes in the party constitution, which bar her brother from continuing as its vice president while letting her remain the national president till she is too old for that responsibility.&nbsp;

Mayawati said she will continue to lead the Bahujan Samaj Party for the next 20 to 22 years, bluntly telling party leaders that nobody needed to dream of becoming the party president.&nbsp;

Addressing a meeting in Lucknow of party's national office bearers, she also announced major organisational changes and indicated that the BSP was willing to contest any coming election on its own if "respectable" seat-sharing arrangements could not be worked out.

Mayawati said she had made some minor changes in the BSP constitution last year to involve her younger brother into party work on the request of party leaders.

"It is unfortunate that there were reports in the media about the family being promoted in the organisation, like the Congress," she said.

"But my brother himself said he will work only as a common worker in the interest of the party," she added.

On the changes in the party constitution, she said that no close relative of the national president will hold any position in the party.

The new national president will be appointed only after the serving leader is unable to continue with field duties because of old age, she said.

Also, the new BSP national president will be appointed on the advice of the outgoing leader.

While mentioning the changes in the BSP constitution, she referred to the constitution during BSP founder Kanshi Ram's time, when relatives were not allowed party posts. This had upset some of Kanshi Ram's relatives, she recalled.

She told party leaders that though the BSP was discussing alliances with other parties for future elections, they should be prepared for any situation.

"Although talks are underway for poll alliances in Uttar Pradesh and other states, you have to remain prepared for facing any situation in your respective states at all levels," she said.

She said the stand of the party while entering into an alliance in any election has been to get a respectable share of the seats to contest. Otherwise, it sees fighting on its own as a better option, she said.

Mayawati, who was part of the show of unity among opposition parties at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, said after the debacle in that state the BJP government may advance the Lok Sabha elections.

The BSP chief appointed RS Kushwaha as the Uttar Pradesh unit president in place of Ram Achal Rajbhar, who is now the BSP national general secretary and made coordinator for three states.

Two senior leaders Vir Singh and Jai Prakash Singh were made national coordinators, a first for the party.

She told party leaders to strengthen the BSP base among the 'sarv samaj' and begin focusing on Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh where assembly elections will be held before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Mayawati warned them against any design to split the party vote among Dalits, Adivasi, Backwards, Muslim and other religious minorities.

Earlier in the day, she slammed the Narendra Modi government, celebrating four years in office, for its "historic failure" to address issues like welfare unemployment.

Mayawati said she will continue to lead the Bahujan Samaj Party for the next 20 to 22 years, bluntly telling party leaders that nobody needed to dream of becoming the party president.

BSP chief Mayawati today announced changes in the party constitution, which bar her brother from continuing as its vice president while letting her remain the national president till she is too old for that responsibility. Mayawati said she will continue to lead the Bahujan Samaj Party for the next 20 to 22 years, bluntly telling party leaders that nobody needed to dream of becoming the party president. Addressing a meeting in Lucknow of party's national office bearers, she also announced major organisational changes and indicated that the BSP was willing to contest any coming election on its own if "respectable" seat-sharing arrangements could not be worked out. Mayawati said she had made some minor changes in the BSP constitution last year to involve her younger brother into party work on the request of party leaders. "It is unfortunate that there were reports in the media about the family being promoted in the organisation, like the Congress," she said. "But my brother himself said he will work only as a common worker in the interest of the party," she added. On the changes in the party constitution, she said that no close relative of the national president will hold any position in the party. The new national president will be appointed only after the serving leader is unable to continue with field duties because of old age, she said. Also, the new BSP national president will be appointed on the advice of the outgoing leader. While mentioning the changes in the BSP constitution, she referred to the constitution during BSP founder Kanshi Ram's time, when relatives were not allowed party posts. This had upset some of Kanshi Ram's relatives, she recalled. She told party leaders that though the BSP was discussing alliances with other parties for future elections, they should be prepared for any situation. "Although talks are underway for poll alliances in Uttar Pradesh and other states, you have to remain prepared for facing any situation in your respective states at all levels," she said. She said the stand of the party while entering into an alliance in any election has been to get a respectable share of the seats to contest. Otherwise, it sees fighting on its own as a better option, she said. Mayawati, who was part of the show of unity among opposition parties at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, said after the debacle in that state the BJP government may advance the Lok Sabha elections. The BSP chief appointed RS Kushwaha as the Uttar Pradesh unit president in place of Ram Achal Rajbhar, who is now the BSP national general secretary and made coordinator for three states. Two senior leaders Vir Singh and Jai Prakash Singh were made national coordinators, a first for the party. She told party leaders to strengthen the BSP base among the 'sarv samaj' and begin focusing on Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh where assembly elections will be held before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Mayawati warned them against any design to split the party vote among Dalits, Adivasi, Backwards, Muslim and other religious minorities. Earlier in the day, she slammed the Narendra Modi government, celebrating four years in office, for its "historic failure" to address issues like welfare unemployment.

I will remain BSP president for next 20 years until I get old: Mayawati

In an attempt to free the BSP of the blame of dynastic rule, party national president Mayawati on Saturday amended the party’s constitution barring close relatives of party president from holding organisational posts.

In April 2017, Mayawati appointed Anand Kumar party vice-president on condition that he would dedicate himself to the organisation and never contest polls or hold office of power.

Meanwhile, the national executive made several decisions to gear up the party for the challenging electoral battle at the national level.&nbsp

UP state chief Ramachal Rajbhar has been promoted as the national general secretary and made coordinator of three states.&nbsp

The new UP BSP president is BSP MLC RS Kushwaha. BSP UP legislature party leader Lalji Verma has been made coordinator of Chhattisgarh and Ashok Siddharth for South India. Vir Singh and Jai Prakash Singh have been appointed national coordinator.

UP state chief Ramachal Rajbhar has been promoted as the national general secretary and made coordinator of three states.

In an attempt to free the BSP of the blame of dynastic rule, party national president Mayawati on Saturday amended the party’s constitution barring close relatives of party president from holding organisational posts. In April 2017, Mayawati appointed Anand Kumar party vice-president on condition that he would dedicate himself to the organisation and never contest polls or hold office of power. Meanwhile, the national executive made several decisions to gear up the party for the challenging electoral battle at the national level. UP state chief Ramachal Rajbhar has been promoted as the national general secretary and made coordinator of three states. The new UP BSP president is BSP MLC RS Kushwaha. BSP UP legislature party leader Lalji Verma has been made coordinator of Chhattisgarh and Ashok Siddharth for South India. Vir Singh and Jai Prakash Singh have been appointed national coordinator.

Mayawati removes her brother from post of BSP vice-president

Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati on Saturday told her partymen that the stand of the party while entering into any alliance in any election has been to get a respectable share of the seats to contest. Otherwise, it sees fighting on its own as a better option, she added.&nbsp;

Though the BSP was discussing alliances with other parties for future polls in Uttar Pradesh and other states, they should be prepared for any situation, news agency PTI reported quoting the BSP leader as saying at the meeting of national-level officer bearers.

"Although talks are underway for poll alliances in Uttar Pradesh and other states, you have to remain prepared for facing any situation in your respective states at all levels," she said according to PTI.&nbsp;

Mayawati, who was part of the show of unity among opposition parties at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, said after the debacle in that state the BJP government may advance the Lok Sabha elections.

The BSP chief effected a major reshuffle within her party, appointing R S Kushwaha as the Uttar Pradesh unit president in place of Ram Achal Rajbhar who has now been appointed as the BSP national general secretary and made coordinator for three states.

But Mayawati made it clear that she would lead the BSP for the next 20 to 22 years, telling partymen that nobody needed to dream of becoming the party president.

The BSP president, who had come in for criticism after she made her younger brother Anand Kumar vice president, also announced changes in party constitution to check nepotism.

She said no close relatives of the national president will be given any position in the party in their lifetime.

(With PTI inputs) 
&nbsp;

The BSP chief effected a major reshuffle within her party, appointing R S Kushwaha as the Uttar Pradesh unit president in place of Ram Achal Rajbhar

Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati on Saturday told her partymen that the stand of the party while entering into any alliance in any election has been to get a respectable share of the seats to contest. Otherwise, it sees fighting on its own as a better option, she added. Though the BSP was discussing alliances with other parties for future polls in Uttar Pradesh and other states, they should be prepared for any situation, news agency PTI reported quoting the BSP leader as saying at the meeting of national-level officer bearers. "Although talks are underway for poll alliances in Uttar Pradesh and other states, you have to remain prepared for facing any situation in your respective states at all levels," she said according to PTI. Mayawati, who was part of the show of unity among opposition parties at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, said after the debacle in that state the BJP government may advance the Lok Sabha elections. The BSP chief effected a major reshuffle within her party, appointing R S Kushwaha as the Uttar Pradesh unit president in place of Ram Achal Rajbhar who has now been appointed as the BSP national general secretary and made coordinator for three states. But Mayawati made it clear that she would lead the BSP for the next 20 to 22 years, telling partymen that nobody needed to dream of becoming the party president. The BSP president, who had come in for criticism after she made her younger brother Anand Kumar vice president, also announced changes in party constitution to check nepotism. She said no close relatives of the national president will be given any position in the party in their lifetime. (With PTI inputs)

Mayawati tells partymen to be ready to fight elections solo

BSP chief Mayawati on Saturday termed the four years of the Narendra Modi-led government as "disappointing" and said the parting of ways by some of the NDA partners was its clear indication.

The Modi government completed four years in power today.

"NDA alliance partners are parting ways one by one and this proves that the four years of the BJP-led government have been most unsuccessful and disappointing at all levels," Mayawati said.

"This kind of exploitation of the poor, labourers, common people and women under the central government has never been seen before...Their 'chori aur seena jori' has also been unheard of in the past," the BSP chief said.

She had convened a meeting of her party office bearers later in the day.

"The BJP and PM's unfulfilled promises undermined the faith and effectiveness of this government," she said.

Their own people were not listening to the leaders and it was an indication that the countdown of the BJP government had started, Mayawati said.

The BSP chief claimed that the government had bowed down before the capitalists as a result of which the country's economy had suffered and the people were concerned whether their money was safe in banks or not.

She alleged that there was anarchy in all walks of life, which proved that the BJP's rule meant "jungle raj".

"It seems that they have given permission to their people to level all kind of unfounded allegations and indulge in illegal acts," she alleged.

"There had also been an unsuccessful attempt to hush up rape cases in Kathua and Unnao by the BJP, showing the reality of the party," Mayawati alleged.&nbsp;

The Modi government completed four years in power today.

BSP chief Mayawati on Saturday termed the four years of the Narendra Modi-led government as "disappointing" and said the parting of ways by some of the NDA partners was its clear indication. The Modi government completed four years in power today. "NDA alliance partners are parting ways one by one and this proves that the four years of the BJP-led government have been most unsuccessful and disappointing at all levels," Mayawati said. "This kind of exploitation of the poor, labourers, common people and women under the central government has never been seen before...Their 'chori aur seena jori' has also been unheard of in the past," the BSP chief said. She had convened a meeting of her party office bearers later in the day. "The BJP and PM's unfulfilled promises undermined the faith and effectiveness of this government," she said. Their own people were not listening to the leaders and it was an indication that the countdown of the BJP government had started, Mayawati said. The BSP chief claimed that the government had bowed down before the capitalists as a result of which the country's economy had suffered and the people were concerned whether their money was safe in banks or not. She alleged that there was anarchy in all walks of life, which proved that the BJP's rule meant "jungle raj". "It seems that they have given permission to their people to level all kind of unfounded allegations and indulge in illegal acts," she alleged. "There had also been an unsuccessful attempt to hush up rape cases in Kathua and Unnao by the BJP, showing the reality of the party," Mayawati alleged.

Four years of Modi government disappointing: Mayawati

BSP Supremo Mayawati and SP President Akhilesh Yadav – shared the stage for the first time in Karnataka at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

<img alt="maya-akhil.PNG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="577" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/maya-akhil.PNG" width="805" />

The two parties had forged an understanding during the bypolls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur in March and fought the Rajya Sabha polls together.

They have also confirmed that the alliance would continue till 2019 polls.

<img alt="Maya-akhilesh.PNG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="571" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Maya-akhilesh.PNG" width="815" />

SP and BSP are considered as arch-rivals in the state of Uttar Pradesh, and Mayawati shares a very bitter past with Akhilesh’s father, Mulayam Singh Yadav.

<img alt="Mayawati-Akhilesh-yadav.PNG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="431" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Mayawati-Akhilesh-yadav.PNG" width="770" />

After their win against the BJP in in Gorakhpur and Phulpur, the opposition in UP is also fighting the May 28 byelection in Kairana together. The SP and the BSP are backing the Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate in that Lok Sabha constituency.

Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony is being projected as a show of strength by non-BJP parties.&nbsp;

<img alt="oath-taking-ceremony.PNG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/oath-taking-ceremony.PNG" width="770" />

(Picture courtesy: ANI)

SP and BSP are considered as arch-rivals in the state of Uttar Pradesh, and Mayawati shares a very bitter past with Akhilesh’s father, Mulayam Singh Yadav.

BSP Supremo Mayawati and SP President Akhilesh Yadav – shared the stage for the first time in Karnataka at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday in Bengaluru. The two parties had forged an understanding during the bypolls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur in March and fought the Rajya Sabha polls together. They have also confirmed that the alliance would continue till 2019 polls. SP and BSP are considered as arch-rivals in the state of Uttar Pradesh, and Mayawati shares a very bitter past with Akhilesh’s father, Mulayam Singh Yadav. After their win against the BJP in in Gorakhpur and Phulpur, the opposition in UP is also fighting the May 28 byelection in Kairana together. The SP and the BSP are backing the Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate in that Lok Sabha constituency. Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony is being projected as a show of strength by non-BJP parties. (Picture courtesy: ANI)

Pics: In a first, Akhilesh Yadav-Mayawati share stage at Kumaraswamy’s swearing-in ceremony

In a bid to perhaps outsmart the Supreme Court, BSP chief has converted her official accommodation into a memorial for late party supremo Kanshiram.&nbsp;

Instead of vacating her official residence at 13 A, Mall Avenue, Lucknow, Mayawati has reportedly gotten a signboard on the premises declaring it to be ‘Shri Kanshiram Ji Yaadgar Vishraam Sthal’.&nbsp;

Supreme Court has recently ordered former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers to vacate their official residences.

The Supreme Court had earlier this month said that former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh cannot retain government accommodation after demitting office, observing that a chief minister was at par with a common man once his or her term ends.

The court was hearing a petition filed by NGO Lok Prahari, challenging the amendments made by the erstwhile Akhilesh Yadav government to the UP Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1981.

As per the notice served by the UP Government after Supreme Court’s order, six former CMs of UP, including Mayawati and Akhilesh, will have to vacate their government bungalows by the end of this month.

Though Mayawati is set to vacate her government bungalow situated at 13A Mall Avenue and is reportedly moving to a new address 9 Mall Avenue, which happens to be bang opposite to her house. But on Monday morning one board had come up at 13A Mall Avenue which read 'Kanshiram Yaadgar Vishram Sthal'.

Six former CMs of UP, including Mayawati and Akhilesh, will have to vacate their government bungalows by the end of this month.

In a bid to perhaps outsmart the Supreme Court, BSP chief has converted her official accommodation into a memorial for late party supremo Kanshiram. Instead of vacating her official residence at 13 A, Mall Avenue, Lucknow, Mayawati has reportedly gotten a signboard on the premises declaring it to be ‘Shri Kanshiram Ji Yaadgar Vishraam Sthal’. Supreme Court has recently ordered former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers to vacate their official residences. The Supreme Court had earlier this month said that former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh cannot retain government accommodation after demitting office, observing that a chief minister was at par with a common man once his or her term ends. The court was hearing a petition filed by NGO Lok Prahari, challenging the amendments made by the erstwhile Akhilesh Yadav government to the UP Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1981. As per the notice served by the UP Government after Supreme Court’s order, six former CMs of UP, including Mayawati and Akhilesh, will have to vacate their government bungalows by the end of this month. Though Mayawati is set to vacate her government bungalow situated at 13A Mall Avenue and is reportedly moving to a new address 9 Mall Avenue, which happens to be bang opposite to her house. But on Monday morning one board had come up at 13A Mall Avenue which read 'Kanshiram Yaadgar Vishram Sthal'.

Mayawati converts govt bungalow into Kanshi Ram memorial as Supreme Court orders to vacate it

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the party formed a government in Karnataka and termed the entire episode as a conspiracy to destroy the Constitution, according to news agency ANI.

Addressing the media here, Mayawati accused the BJP of misusing the government ever since they came to power at the Centre.

"It is a conspiracy to destroy the constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, since they (BJP) came to power they have been misusing government machinery, thereby attacking democracy," ANI reported quoting Mayawati.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Yeddyurappa took oath as the 23rd chief minister of Karnataka after the Supreme Court early today morning decided not to put a stay on the swearing-in, while conducting a post-midnight hearing, wherein Congress and JD(S) pleaded for the same citing BJP`s inadequate strength in the assembly to stake claim at forming the state government.

Late last night, Congress and JD(S) challenged Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R. Vala`s decision in the top court to invite BJP to form the government even when the saffron party, with 105 MLAs, including one Independent MLA, is seven short of the halfway mark of 112.

They contended that they, with a total strength of 115 MLAs, are in a better position to form the government. Though Vala invited the BJP to form the government, he has given 15 days to the saffron party to prove its majority in the state assembly.&nbsp;

Mayawati accused the BJP of misusing the government ever since they came to power at the Centre.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the party formed a government in Karnataka and termed the entire episode as a conspiracy to destroy the Constitution, according to news agency ANI. Addressing the media here, Mayawati accused the BJP of misusing the government ever since they came to power at the Centre. "It is a conspiracy to destroy the constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, since they (BJP) came to power they have been misusing government machinery, thereby attacking democracy," ANI reported quoting Mayawati. Earlier in the day, Yeddyurappa took oath as the 23rd chief minister of Karnataka after the Supreme Court early today morning decided not to put a stay on the swearing-in, while conducting a post-midnight hearing, wherein Congress and JD(S) pleaded for the same citing BJP`s inadequate strength in the assembly to stake claim at forming the state government. Late last night, Congress and JD(S) challenged Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R. Vala`s decision in the top court to invite BJP to form the government even when the saffron party, with 105 MLAs, including one Independent MLA, is seven short of the halfway mark of 112. They contended that they, with a total strength of 115 MLAs, are in a better position to form the government. Though Vala invited the BJP to form the government, he has given 15 days to the saffron party to prove its majority in the state assembly.

Mayawati accuses BJP of conspiring to destroy Constitution

Following controversy over the BJP’s Dalit outreach programmes in Uttar Pradesh, the BSP has decided to hold ‘chaupals’ or village meetings across the state to expose what is calls the “anti-Dalit face” of the saffron party.

“BSP leaders including coordinators and office bearers will be moving out to villages all over the state to hold chaupals to apprise all, especially the Dalits, about the anti-people and anti-Dalit steps being taken by the BJP government,” a senior BSP leader said.

“Dalits are angry over the manner in which a mockery is being made out by the Uttar Pradesh ministers visiting villages, taking their own food and water and showing to the world that they are dining in Dalit households,” he said, adding that their drama is getting exposed with every passing day.

“While one minister carries food and water with him and dines as if he is attending a feast, the other minister claims that they are spending nights in villages braving mosquito bites… these BJP leaders are only exposing their real mindset not only towards Dalits but also towards the villagers and their lifestyle.

“On our part, we will organise chaupals and interact with the villagers at the grass-roots level and apprise them of the reality of this government,” he told PTI, requesting anonymity.

“Our leaders will tell the people as to how the BJP’s so-called pro-Dalit stance is a farce and designed only for its petty electoral gains. BJP leaders are carrying out a drama of sharing meals with Dalits in their homes but the food that they take is brought from other places as they do not want to eat the meal prepared by a Dalit in his house,” he said.

Since BSP chief Mayawati is currently busy in Karnataka polls, the chaupal programme will take shape only next month, he said. The BSP leadership has already alerted its office bearers and coordinators to keep a close watch on the BJPs “sahbhoj” (community feast) programmes.

BSP men have also been asked to prepare a list of events where the BJP leaders have shown disrespect during their outreach programme by ordering food, crockery or water from outside or any of them making statements which hurt the sentiments of Dalits, he said.

The BSP will also take this opportunity to refresh the memory of Dalits on various cases of atrocities on them during the BJP government by recalling incidents during the Bharat bandh against the dilution of SC/ST Act and lynching of Dalits among others and how the government has been lax in taking action against the culprits, he added.

"Dalits are angry over the manner in which a mockery is being made out by the Uttar Pradesh ministers visiting villages, taking their own food and water and showing to the world that they are dining in Dalit households," a senior BSP leader said, adding that their drama is getting exposed with every passing day

Following controversy over the BJP’s Dalit outreach programmes in Uttar Pradesh, the BSP has decided to hold ‘chaupals’ or village meetings across the state to expose what is calls the “anti-Dalit face” of the saffron party. “BSP leaders including coordinators and office bearers will be moving out to villages all over the state to hold chaupals to apprise all, especially the Dalits, about the anti-people and anti-Dalit steps being taken by the BJP government,” a senior BSP leader said. “Dalits are angry over the manner in which a mockery is being made out by the Uttar Pradesh ministers visiting villages, taking their own food and water and showing to the world that they are dining in Dalit households,” he said, adding that their drama is getting exposed with every passing day. “While one minister carries food and water with him and dines as if he is attending a feast, the other minister claims that they are spending nights in villages braving mosquito bites… these BJP leaders are only exposing their real mindset not only towards Dalits but also towards the villagers and their lifestyle. “On our part, we will organise chaupals and interact with the villagers at the grass-roots level and apprise them of the reality of this government,” he told PTI, requesting anonymity. “Our leaders will tell the people as to how the BJP’s so-called pro-Dalit stance is a farce and designed only for its petty electoral gains. BJP leaders are carrying out a drama of sharing meals with Dalits in their homes but the food that they take is brought from other places as they do not want to eat the meal prepared by a Dalit in his house,” he said. Since BSP chief Mayawati is currently busy in Karnataka polls, the chaupal programme will take shape only next month, he said. The BSP leadership has already alerted its office bearers and coordinators to keep a close watch on the BJPs “sahbhoj” (community feast) programmes. BSP men have also been asked to prepare a list of events where the BJP leaders have shown disrespect during their outreach programme by ordering food, crockery or water from outside or any of them making statements which hurt the sentiments of Dalits, he said. The BSP will also take this opportunity to refresh the memory of Dalits on various cases of atrocities on them during the BJP government by recalling incidents during the Bharat bandh against the dilution of SC/ST Act and lynching of Dalits among others and how the government has been lax in taking action against the culprits, he added.

BSP decides to hold village meetings to expose BJP’s ‘anti-Dalit face’

Taking a dig at the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, spokesperson of the BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit Rakesh Tripathi has termed the proposed visits of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to poll-bound Karnataka as "political tourism".

He, however, claimed that BJP workers and people in Karnataka want to have a glimpse of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his campaigning in different poll-bound states of the country is benefiting the party.

Alleging that both the SP and the BSP "thrive on caste politics", Tripathi said, "The election tours made to Karnataka by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati are simply political tourism."

"The main base and origin of both these parties is Uttar Pradesh. But, in this state their condition is miserable. Both of them are facing the worst times since their inception. They do not have any party organisation, base and mandate in Karnataka," he was quoted as saying in a statement.

The state BJP spokesperson claimed that the founding members of the BSP were deserting the party which is finding it tough to preserve its status as a national party.

Hitting out at the Samajwadi party, Tripathi said, "Ever since Akhilesh Yadav replaced his father (Mulayam Singh Yadav) as the SP president, the party has been weakened."

"The SP is a regional party. In Karnataka, it does not have any organisational structure. The tour of Akhilesh Yadav to Karnataka will prove to be a flop show like the one to Gujarat," the BJP leader said.

He claimed that Yogi Adityanath influenced the entire country after becoming the chief minister.

"This is the reason why there has been a continuous demand from various poll-bound states for Adityanath to campaign for BJP candidates," Tripathi said.

According to BJP sources, Adityanath will be seen in action, addressing as many as 35 rallies and road shows the saffron party has organised for him as the Nath sect, to which he belongs, wields considerable clout in coastal Karnataka.

As per the party's plans, the chief minister's hectic Karnataka tour will begin on May 3 and he will be there holding rallies daily between May 7 and 10, BJP spokesperson Shalabh Mani Tripathi told.

BSP supremo Mayawati, whose party has entered into a pact with former prime minister H D Deve Gowda's JD(S), has already started working in the state with her rallies starting April 25 from Mysuru.

She will be addressing a rally in Chitradurga today and Belagavi and Bidar on May 5-6 respectively. The BSP is contesting on 20 seats in Karnataka and is hoping to open an account there with the JD(S) support.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will also be touring the state to champion his party's cause in those constituencies where SP candidate is in the fray.

According to a party spokesperson, the SP has fielded over two dozen candidates in Karnataka.

Polling in Karnataka will be held in a single phase on May 12 for all the 224 Assembly seats in the Congress-ruled state, including 36 reserved for the Scheduled Castes and 15 for the Scheduled Tribes.&nbsp

Hitting out at the Samajwadi party, Tripathi said, "Ever since Akhilesh Yadav replaced his father (Mulayam Singh Yadav) as the SP president, the party has been weakened."

Taking a dig at the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, spokesperson of the BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit Rakesh Tripathi has termed the proposed visits of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati to poll-bound Karnataka as "political tourism". He, however, claimed that BJP workers and people in Karnataka want to have a glimpse of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his campaigning in different poll-bound states of the country is benefiting the party. Alleging that both the SP and the BSP "thrive on caste politics", Tripathi said, "The election tours made to Karnataka by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati are simply political tourism." "The main base and origin of both these parties is Uttar Pradesh. But, in this state their condition is miserable. Both of them are facing the worst times since their inception. They do not have any party organisation, base and mandate in Karnataka," he was quoted as saying in a statement. The state BJP spokesperson claimed that the founding members of the BSP were deserting the party which is finding it tough to preserve its status as a national party. Hitting out at the Samajwadi party, Tripathi said, "Ever since Akhilesh Yadav replaced his father (Mulayam Singh Yadav) as the SP president, the party has been weakened." "The SP is a regional party. In Karnataka, it does not have any organisational structure. The tour of Akhilesh Yadav to Karnataka will prove to be a flop show like the one to Gujarat," the BJP leader said. He claimed that Yogi Adityanath influenced the entire country after becoming the chief minister. "This is the reason why there has been a continuous demand from various poll-bound states for Adityanath to campaign for BJP candidates," Tripathi said. According to BJP sources, Adityanath will be seen in action, addressing as many as 35 rallies and road shows the saffron party has organised for him as the Nath sect, to which he belongs, wields considerable clout in coastal Karnataka. As per the party's plans, the chief minister's hectic Karnataka tour will begin on May 3 and he will be there holding rallies daily between May 7 and 10, BJP spokesperson Shalabh Mani Tripathi told. BSP supremo Mayawati, whose party has entered into a pact with former prime minister H D Deve Gowda's JD(S), has already started working in the state with her rallies starting April 25 from Mysuru. She will be addressing a rally in Chitradurga today and Belagavi and Bidar on May 5-6 respectively. The BSP is contesting on 20 seats in Karnataka and is hoping to open an account there with the JD(S) support. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will also be touring the state to champion his party's cause in those constituencies where SP candidate is in the fray. According to a party spokesperson, the SP has fielded over two dozen candidates in Karnataka. Polling in Karnataka will be held in a single phase on May 12 for all the 224 Assembly seats in the Congress-ruled state, including 36 reserved for the Scheduled Castes and 15 for the Scheduled Tribes.

BJP terms Akhilesh, Mayawati's proposed Karnataka visit 'political tourism'

2019 Lok Sabha elections is less likely to be fought on economic promise or earned laurels but on the issue of social justice on caste lines. This pattern was broken during 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The prominent theme was Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (collective efforts, inclusive growth) and PM Modi's viral slogan Na Khaunga Na Khane Dunga (will not engage in corruption myself, nor allow others). It also witnessed split in Dalit vote in North India leading to BJP sweeping all the reserved seats in Uttar Pradesh.

This trend continued well into the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections leading to a tsunami in BJP's favour. Despite such good showing, the backward caste realignment has found a firm footing in the opposition's politics. There is one main factor for its re-emergence. 
&nbsp 
First and foremost reason is the internal contradiction within Hinduism. At the level of practice, the limit of tolerance fails both socially and culturally at the door of a Dalit family. This contradiction was surmounted only because of Narendra Modi's massive appeal in 2014 but subsequent cultural positions of upper caste and sanskritised OBC reopened the schism. 
&nbsp 
Upper caste and OBC led political Hindutva met its match with backward caste mobilisation in Bihar. Though the point in case is that in absence of gathbandhan (tie-up) between OBC and backward castes, BJP swept UP and did exceptionally well in reserved constituencies as well. 
&nbsp 
It is this realisation that Congress in past two years has altered it politics from Congress Ka Haath Aam Aadmi Ki Saath (Congress' hand is with the common man) to strong backward caste, Dalit oriented politics. It peppers its Dalit campaign with strong Hindu symbols to counter the 'foreign' character of Rahul Gandhi's leadership. The regional parties too have come together out of an existential crisis. 
&nbsp 
Apart from minorities, Dalits too were at the receiving end of the cow protection campaign. It created schism within the concept of the larger Hindu family. Multiple cases across North India were reported where Dalits became target of the lynch mobs because there work involved cattle skinning and trading which stood opposed to the upper caste and OBC led moral eco-system of the new Hindutva brigade. 
&nbsp 
Lastly, it is the only issue the BJP government has been politically defensive about. Whether it was Rohit Vemula controversy, or violence against Dalit community in Gujarat or anti-reservation agitation - it reinforces old identity politics which BJP has been trying to subsume under the rubric of cultural nationalism. The attempt of BJP has been to consume caste identities under one monolithic identity of a Hindu but inadvertently, old identities persist as caste remains integral to practiced Hinduism which manifests itself in forms of marriage, death, rituals and feasting. It for this reason that BJP has paid special focus on contribution of BR Ambedkar and common dining with Dalit communities. But original ideology has its limitation. It is for this reason that post-Tripura victory saw desecration of statues of Ambedkar. 
&nbsp 
The same consolidation seem to be working in Karnataka which has not allowed BJP campaign to take off. 
&nbsp 
Uttar Pradesh was an example in case where undivided Hindu vote created a BJP tsunami. Phoolpur and Gorakhpur results on the other hand show that backward caste alignment amongst OBCs and Dalits have the potential to create a counter narrative. What is debatable is as to which identity politics is better - India divided on backward-forward politics, or between one majority and various minorities? The whole idea is debatable but what it does is that it takes Indian politics back to Mandal vs Kamandal polarisation. 
&nbsp 
The only difference is that it took couple of years for BSP and SP to sink differences to defeat BJP. The political compulsion and strength of BJP was the reason behind it. The result is there for everyone to see. Only thing is whether history will repeat itself. Such political configuration have defeated Congress and BJP in past but none could complete a term which includes alliance between then Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati. So, whoever wins Lok Sabha elections on 2019, old identity politics is back in the game.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

2019 Lok Sabha elections is less likely to be fought on economic promise or earned laurels but on the issue of social justice on caste lines.

2019 Lok Sabha elections is less likely to be fought on economic promise or earned laurels but on the issue of social justice on caste lines. This pattern was broken during 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The prominent theme was Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (collective efforts, inclusive growth) and PM Modi's viral slogan Na Khaunga Na Khane Dunga (will not engage in corruption myself, nor allow others). It also witnessed split in Dalit vote in North India leading to BJP sweeping all the reserved seats in Uttar Pradesh. This trend continued well into the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections leading to a tsunami in BJP's favour. Despite such good showing, the backward caste realignment has found a firm footing in the opposition's politics. There is one main factor for its re-emergence. First and foremost reason is the internal contradiction within Hinduism. At the level of practice, the limit of tolerance fails both socially and culturally at the door of a Dalit family. This contradiction was surmounted only because of Narendra Modi's massive appeal in 2014 but subsequent cultural positions of upper caste and sanskritised OBC reopened the schism. Upper caste and OBC led political Hindutva met its match with backward caste mobilisation in Bihar. Though the point in case is that in absence of gathbandhan (tie-up) between OBC and backward castes, BJP swept UP and did exceptionally well in reserved constituencies as well. It is this realisation that Congress in past two years has altered it politics from Congress Ka Haath Aam Aadmi Ki Saath (Congress' hand is with the common man) to strong backward caste, Dalit oriented politics. It peppers its Dalit campaign with strong Hindu symbols to counter the 'foreign' character of Rahul Gandhi's leadership. The regional parties too have come together out of an existential crisis. Apart from minorities, Dalits too were at the receiving end of the cow protection campaign. It created schism within the concept of the larger Hindu family. Multiple cases across North India were reported where Dalits became target of the lynch mobs because there work involved cattle skinning and trading which stood opposed to the upper caste and OBC led moral eco-system of the new Hindutva brigade. Lastly, it is the only issue the BJP government has been politically defensive about. Whether it was Rohit Vemula controversy, or violence against Dalit community in Gujarat or anti-reservation agitation - it reinforces old identity politics which BJP has been trying to subsume under the rubric of cultural nationalism. The attempt of BJP has been to consume caste identities under one monolithic identity of a Hindu but inadvertently, old identities persist as caste remains integral to practiced Hinduism which manifests itself in forms of marriage, death, rituals and feasting. It for this reason that BJP has paid special focus on contribution of BR Ambedkar and common dining with Dalit communities. But original ideology has its limitation. It is for this reason that post-Tripura victory saw desecration of statues of Ambedkar. The same consolidation seem to be working in Karnataka which has not allowed BJP campaign to take off. Uttar Pradesh was an example in case where undivided Hindu vote created a BJP tsunami. Phoolpur and Gorakhpur results on the other hand show that backward caste alignment amongst OBCs and Dalits have the potential to create a counter narrative. What is debatable is as to which identity politics is better - India divided on backward-forward politics, or between one majority and various minorities? The whole idea is debatable but what it does is that it takes Indian politics back to Mandal vs Kamandal polarisation. The only difference is that it took couple of years for BSP and SP to sink differences to defeat BJP. The political compulsion and strength of BJP was the reason behind it. The result is there for everyone to see. Only thing is whether history will repeat itself. Such political configuration have defeated Congress and BJP in past but none could complete a term which includes alliance between then Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati. So, whoever wins Lok Sabha elections on 2019, old identity politics is back in the game. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Mandal vs Kamandal version 2.0 likely in 2019 polls

BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday hailed the Bharat bandh protest that swept across north India, with Dalits protesting against a recent Supreme Court order on the SC/ST, saying that the protests were successful.&nbsp;

Mayawati also claimed that the protests has "left the BJP scared&nbsp;and authorities in the BJP ruled states have started atrocities towards Dalits." She said that she "trusted that the Dalit community will not forgive the&nbsp;selfish and corrupt people of the BJP Dalit MP's."

Around 400 Dalits were arrested during the violence that erupted during the protests against a proposed review of the SC/ST Act after which&nbsp;Mayawati&nbsp;warned the government against harassment of Dalits in the garb of maintaining law and order.

Protests were organised across north India by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatBandh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatBandh</a> protest was largely successful. This has left the BJP scared and authorities in the BJP ruled states have started atrocities towards dalits. Many dalits and members of their families are being arrested : BSP Chief Mayawati <a href="https://t.co/WHRIWnjUIQ">pic.twitter.com/WHRIWnjUIQ</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/982848876859273216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mujhe bharosa hai ki desh ke swabhimaani dalit samaaj ke log swaarthi aur bekau maansikta wale sansadon (BJP dalit MPs) ko maaf karne wale nahi hain: BSP Chief Mayawati <a href="https://t.co/8rUZysxUvK">pic.twitter.com/8rUZysxUvK</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/982852694397382656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Moreover,&nbsp;BJP parliamentarian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/-dalit-community-being-tortured-during-bharat-bandh-bjp-lawmaker-udit-raj-129068">Udit Raj </a>on Saturday alleged that members of the Dalit community are "tortured" in various parts of the country after violence broke out during the 'Bharat Bandh' earlier this week.

Raj said on Sunday that "on April 2, Dalit agitation was held at a massive scale. The point of worry is that after the agitation those who were part of the agitation are being targeted and false cases are being slapped on them and also being beaten, this is a cause of concern."

He further appealed "to Party and government that they must look into this immediately. I am not one of those Dalit leaders and party members who'll keep quiet in my own interest, not telling the Party at right time would have been a selfish act. Two-and-a-half years ago I said that Dalits are getting angry."&nbsp;

The Supreme Court order bans the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act. The court had wanted to put a stop to frivolous allegations, but the Dalits view the move as a watering down of the act. India's Dalit community still faces massive discrimination and violence at the hands of India's upper caste and OBC communities.

​​​​​​

&nbsp;

Protests were organised across north India by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday hailed the Bharat bandh protest that swept across north India, with Dalits protesting against a recent Supreme Court order on the SC/ST, saying that the protests were successful. Mayawati also claimed that the protests has "left the BJP scared and authorities in the BJP ruled states have started atrocities towards Dalits." She said that she "trusted that the Dalit community will not forgive the selfish and corrupt people of the BJP Dalit MP's." Around 400 Dalits were arrested during the violence that erupted during the protests against a proposed review of the SC/ST Act after which Mayawati warned the government against harassment of Dalits in the garb of maintaining law and order. Protests were organised across north India by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. #BharatBandh protest was largely successful. This has left the BJP scared and authorities in the BJP ruled states have started atrocities towards dalits. Many dalits and members of their families are being arrested : BSP Chief Mayawati pic.twitter.com/WHRIWnjUIQ — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 8, 2018 × Mujhe bharosa hai ki desh ke swabhimaani dalit samaaj ke log swaarthi aur bekau maansikta wale sansadon (BJP dalit MPs) ko maaf karne wale nahi hain: BSP Chief Mayawati pic.twitter.com/8rUZysxUvK — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 8, 2018 × Moreover, BJP parliamentarian Udit Raj on Saturday alleged that members of the Dalit community are "tortured" in various parts of the country after violence broke out during the 'Bharat Bandh' earlier this week. Raj said on Sunday that "on April 2, Dalit agitation was held at a massive scale. The point of worry is that after the agitation those who were part of the agitation are being targeted and false cases are being slapped on them and also being beaten, this is a cause of concern." He further appealed "to Party and government that they must look into this immediately. I am not one of those Dalit leaders and party members who'll keep quiet in my own interest, not telling the Party at right time would have been a selfish act. Two-and-a-half years ago I said that Dalits are getting angry." The Supreme Court order bans the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act. The court had wanted to put a stop to frivolous allegations, but the Dalits view the move as a watering down of the act. India's Dalit community still faces massive discrimination and violence at the hands of India's upper caste and OBC communities.

Bharat Bandh protests have left BJP scared: BSP supremo Mayawati

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