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The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) under the leadership of Mayawati is no stranger to the intricate dance of coalition politics. Mayawati’s recent endorsement of a coalition government at the Center after the upcoming Lok Sabha elections echoes the party’s historical reliance on alliances to assert its influence and cater to the diverse interests of castes and communities across India.
Mayawati’s stance finds resonance with the ideology espoused by her mentor and BSP’s founder, Kanshi Ram. Kanshi Ram propagated the concept of “lame governments that walked on crutches,” emphasizing the necessity to avoid despotic majority governments that might neglect the interests of the Bahujan Samaj, the marginalized sections of society.
The BSP’s growth trajectory is intertwined with strategic alliances and coalitions. Dating back to its inception in 1984, the party initially made modest strides but experienced a significant surge after entering into an alliance with the Samajwadi Party in 1993 for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
The watershed moment arrived when the BSP and SP, led by Kanshi Ram and Mulayam Singh Yadav, formed an electoral alliance in 1993, rattling the political landscape. This alliance, born out of a quest for a winning electoral formula amidst the BJP’s ascendancy post the Babri mosque demolition in 1992, resulted in the formation of a government through outside support from various parties.
Mayawati’s ascendancy to the chief minister’s office in 1995, with outside support from the BJP, marked a significant chapter in the party’s narrative. Her tenure aggressively pushed the Dalit agenda, amplifying the BSP’s political stature while making strides at the national level.
The BSP’s political trajectory has been characterized by flexible alliances, evident from its engagement with various political entities like the Congress and BJP. Despite shifts and realignments, the party managed to expand its vote share significantly, reflecting the support it garnered through coalition strategies.
However, the journey also witnessed instances of alliance ruptures, such as the fallout with the Congress in 1996 and subsequent collaboration with the BJP, a party it vowed to dismantle.
Subsequent elections saw the BSP consolidating its position, occasionally forming governments in coalition with other parties. The year 2007 marked a significant milestone when the BSP secured a majority on its own, breaking a longstanding coalition jinx and ruling Uttar Pradesh for a full term.
Recent electoral strategies saw the BSP joining hands with the Samajwadi Party in 2019 for the Lok Sabha elections, aiming to counter the BJP’s dominance. Though this alliance saw gains, with BSP securing seats, the transfer of votes to its coalition partner remained a debated aspect.
As the political landscape evolves, the BSP, with its steady increase in vote share, is poised as a significant player in national politics. The upcoming 2024 elections beckon with prospects of a fractured mandate, potentially paving the way for alliances and coalition governments. The party’s aspiration for a Dalit prime ministerial candidate remains a prominent goal amid evolving political dynamics.
While the BSP’s growth from a regional to a recognized national party is evident, recent challenges, including a decline in vote percentage in certain elections, underscore the need for strategic recalibration and a renewed impetus to consolidate its support base.
The BSP’s journey through the labyrinth of coalition politics stands as a testament to its adaptability and pursuit of inclusive governance, navigating the intricate tapestry of Indian politics while striving to represent the aspirations of the Bahujan Samaj.
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