Synopsis
On February 23, Mayawati criticized Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on her political strategy, urging him to reflect on his actions. The ongoing electoral struggles of the BSP have opened up a vacuum in Dalit politics, which Gandhi aims to capitalize on as he attempts to reclaim the party's traditional voter base ahead of upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh.Key Takeaways
- Mayawati criticized Rahul Gandhi's comments.
- BSP's recent electoral performance has been disappointing.
- Gandhi targets the Dalit vote base in Uttar Pradesh.
- Mayawati warns against Congress's alleged double standards.
- New faces are emerging in Dalit politics following the BSP's setbacks.
New Delhi, Feb 23 (NationPress) It was quite revealing to observe how BSP chief Mayawati criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a pointed statement, urging him to reflect on his own actions rather than blaming others.
Mayawati has consistently been bold and is always prepared to confront anyone who challenges her political standing. As the leader of Bahujan Samaj politics, she understands how to navigate the political landscape.
Although the BSP leader has not been as aggressive in election campaigning compared to others, particularly the BJP, Congress, or Samajwadi Party, she possesses a unique style that ensures her presence is noted. Her party has struggled in recent elections, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, both in the Lok Sabha and state Assembly polls.
The BSP's lack of fervor in campaigning has puzzled many. Since 2012, the results have been disheartening, leading to speculation that she may have lost her way. In 2007, her party dominated the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, winning 206 out of 403 seats. However, in the 2012 Assembly elections, it managed only 80 seats, which dwindled to 19 in 2017. The situation worsened in the 2022 elections when the party secured just one seat.
At the national level, the BSP achieved 21 Lok Sabha seats in 2009 but failed to win any in 2014. Following its alliance with the Samajwadi Party in 2019, it gained 10 seats, only to fall short in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when it went solo.
The BSP's poor performance has left her supporters confused, as they witness a gradual migration of their electoral base to other parties.
This shift in voter allegiance seems to be the target of Rahul Gandhi's recent comments. During a visit to Dalit youths in Rae Bareli, he conveyed a message aimed at the community, suggesting that Mayawati is not committed to fighting electoral battles.
Gandhi posed questions to a group of Dalit students: "Behenji, why is Mayawati not contesting elections properly these days?"… "We wanted Behenji to join us against the BJP, but for various reasons, she didn’t. I was saddened because if the three parties had united, the BJP would never have won."
Mayawati retorted fiercely, labeling Congress as the B-team of the BJP and accusing them of harboring a casteist attitude towards her party. In a post on her social media, she remarked (loosely translated): "In states where Congress holds power, there is hostility and casteism towards the BSP and its followers. In Uttar Pradesh, where Congress is weak, they speak of alliances with the BSP. Is this not the double standard of that party?"
Her quick and intense dismissal of Rahul Gandhi's remarks highlights an undeniable truth: the BSP's ongoing setbacks have created a void in Dalit politics, which various new faces and parties are eager to fill.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, while the BSP struggled, Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad won the Nagina Lok Sabha seat with over 51 percent of the vote share.
This victory indicates potential for Dalit-centric electoral politics, suggesting that if Mayawati falters, others are ready to step in.
Thus, when Rahul Gandhi commented on Mayawati and the BSP, the target was evident — the over 21 percent Dalit population in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress, which has focused on the Muslim community in its electoral strategy against the BJP, is now eyeing the Dalit community ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Rahul Gandhi has strategically initiated a campaign to instill doubts among Dalits and other Backward Classes regarding Mayawati’s "intentions" in not contesting against the BJP. With this approach, he hopes to reclaim the traditional SC voter base for the Congress. Simultaneously, this serves as a subtle signal to Akhilesh Yadav's SP that the Congress is open to other alliances.
While Gandhi may be attempting to win over Dalits, Mayawati has warned the community about what she perceives as the Congress's biased and discriminatory stance. She noted that whenever the BSP has allied with Congress in elections, her party's core vote has shifted to them, but the reverse has not occurred.
Despite these electoral challenges, Mayawati remains a prominent figure as the leading Dalit leader in the country, retaining significant influence over her core Jatav voter base. Following Gandhi's remarks, posters emerged in Lucknow and Rae Bareli condemning his comments on Mayawati and accusing him of attempting to "mislead" the community. These posters, organized by the Bahujan Samaj Manch, called for an apology from Rahul Gandhi.
Although Gandhi's remarks were intended to energize Dalit politics, they may inadvertently foster sympathy for Mayawati, the first Dalit CM of Uttar Pradesh.
With two years remaining until the next Assembly elections, all parties are gearing up for the significant electoral battle ahead.
The 403-member Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections are essential for all major parties, including BJP, Congress, SP, and BSP.
(Deepika Bhan can be reached at deepika.b@ians.in)
