Lok Sabha elections: BSP will contest alone, says Mayawati

PTC Web Desk: Mayawati, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief, on Monday declared that "she intends to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections independently, and her party will not form alliances with any other party before the elections". Nevertheless, she did not dismiss the possibility of a post-poll alliance.

Mayawati said, "The BSP will not form alliances with any party before the elections, but we remain open to the option of a post-poll alliance." She argued that whenever BSP collaborateed with another party in elections in Uttar Pradesh, it tended to incur more losses than gains, as the votes often shifted to the alliance.

Mayawati said, "The BSP has experienced more losses than gains through alliances in UP, as our votes tend to shift to the alliance partner, with the reverse scenario rarely occurring." She said the party would evaluate the post-poll scenario before considering alignment with any other party.

Earlier, the BSP had formed alliances with the Samajwadi Party and the Congress during both state and Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, with the latter reaping the benefits.

Mayawati, the former 18th Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, celebrated her 68th birthday on Monday, asserting that she had no intentions of retiring from politics.

"The situation is distressing for SC, ST, and OBC categories, as there is no provision for government jobs and other areas... I have devoted my entire life to their well-being. I will continue to be in politics until my last breath, working for the backward," she asserted.

Mayawati took on the BJP, stating they engage in "politics of casteism and communalism." She said people did not want to see them (BJP) in power.

She pointed out that the BJP's grand claims resulted in hardships for the people, manifesting in inflation, poverty, unemployment, and animosity. "Instead of creating job opportunities, they are making people reliant by providing a small amount of free ration," she added.

Regarding her attendance at the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, Mayawati mentioned, "I have received an invitation, but I haven't decided yet as I am occupied with the party's work. We have no objections to any planned event; we welcome it."

"If there is any event related to the Babri Masjid, we would also welcome it. The BSP is a secular party, and we respect everyone. We uphold all religions, and I appreciate the invitation I have received," said the BSP supremo.

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