Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has declared that her party will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections independently, rejecting any potential alliances with other political entities. Addressing a press conference, Mayawati emphasized her commitment to strengthening the party and dismissed speculation about her retirement from politics.
Mayawati’s announcement to go solo in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is grounded in her party’s historical experience with alliances. She highlighted that past alliances had not yielded favorable outcomes for the BSP, leading to more losses. Despite being a sought-after partner for many parties, Mayawati asserted that the BSP would stand alone in the upcoming elections.
“While our experience with alliances has never been beneficial for us, and we suffer more losses from alliances, our party will fight the elections all alone,” Mayawati stated firmly. She left the door open for post-election cooperation, mentioning that, “If possible, BSP can extend its support after the elections.”
The decision to contest independently comes as the opposition gears up under the banner of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Lok Sabha elections. The India bloc, comprising 28 opposition parties, has been working towards presenting a united front against the BJP.
In the recent INDIA bloc meeting, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge emerged as the consensus candidate for the chairperson’s post, while Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s name was proposed for the convener’s post. Notably, leaders from the Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena, and the Samajwadi Party were absent from the meeting. The developments signal a dynamic political landscape as parties strategize and prepare for the upcoming electoral battle slated for April–May.