Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati announced that her party will not form alliances with either the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or the opposition’s Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The statement was made via a series of posts on microblogging site X, just a day before INDIA alliance’s strategy meeting in Mumbai.
Mayawati criticised both the NDA and the INDIA alliance, claiming that they consist largely of parties that support “anti-poor, casteist, communal, pro-rich, and capitalist policies.” She stressed that the BSP’s ongoing struggle stands in opposition to these policies. “No fake news, please,” Mayawati urged the media.
The BSP leader expressed her displeasure at being labelled as colluding with the BJP if the BSP doesn’t form an alliance with the opposition. She found this dichotomy unfair, stating, “If we don’t ally, we are colluding with the BJP; if we do, then we are secular.”
Mayawati affirmed that the BSP, like in 2007, would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections independently, uniting “crores of neglected people based on brotherhood.” She asked the media to refrain from spreading misinformation.
The announcement also included a comment about the expulsion of former minister Imran Masood. Mayawati pointed out that after his expulsion, Masood is now praising the Congress and its top leadership, thereby questioning his integrity and the reasons for initially leaving the party.
This declaration comes as speculation mounts about potential new additions to the 26-party INDIA alliance during its third meeting, following previous meets in Patna and Bengaluru.
Mayawati’s stance sends a clear message to both sides of the political spectrum: the BSP intends to retain its ideological independence as it heads into the election season. This move could have far-reaching implications for coalition dynamics and electoral strategies in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
