BSP chief Mayawati rules out alliances for now, targets fifth UP govt

BSP president Mayawati announced on Thursday that her party will contest all elections across India independently, including the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, and aims to form a government with a full majority in the state. Speaking at a press conference in Lucknow on her 70th birthday, she emphasized that it was “more appropriate” for the party to fight elections without entering any alliance.

“There should be no confusion about this. The Bahujan Samaj Party will contest the next Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh alone,” Mayawati said. She added that in the future, the party may consider alliances if a partner could transfer votes effectively, particularly from upper castes, but noted that such a scenario could take years to materialize.

Recalling the BSP’s four previous terms in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati claimed that the people were once again inclined to bring the party back to power in 2027. She asserted that party workers were fully engaged to ensure the formation of a BSP government with a full majority and vowed to give a “fitting reply” to BJP, Congress, and other caste-based parties.

Mayawati also raised concerns over electronic voting machines (EVMs), alleging manipulation in past elections while insisting the party would continue to contest all elections with full strength. She criticized previous governments for neglecting BSP founder Kanshi Ram and highlighted her administration’s record of maintaining communal harmony and protecting all communities, including Yadavs and Muslims.

On her birthday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav extended greetings. Adityanath wished her good health and a long life, while Yadav lauded her lifelong work for the rights and dignity of the oppressed and marginalized. BSP observed her 70th birthday across the state as ‘Jan Kalyankari Diwas’.