Lucknow, August 14: The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is working to strengthen its political base ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. However, the party is facing challenges beyond just electoral strategies. Maintaining the trust of leaders and workers within the party has become a significant hurdle.
Recently, the BSP has taken action against several prominent figures, including Ashok Siddharth, the father-in-law of party leader Akash Anand, Ranveer Singh Beniwal, and former Health Minister Anant Kumar Mishra, also known as Antu Mishra. These developments have reignited discussions about the party’s organization and leadership. The lack of influential leaders at both state and regional levels is seen as a major challenge for the upcoming elections.
Political analysts believe that many key leaders, once considered the backbone of the party and its connection to various social groups, are no longer part of the BSP. Mayawati has always been the party’s most recognizable face, but the second-tier leaders played a crucial role in managing regional operations. These leaders were instrumental in strengthening the party from Purvanchal to Western Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand.
Leaders like Naseemuddin Siddiqui, Swami Prasad Maurya, Indrajeet Saroj, Ram Achal Rajbhar, Babu Singh Kushwaha, Daddoo Prasad, and Lalji Verma were vital in conveying the party’s message within their respective social bases and regions. Most of these leaders have since moved to other parties, where they continue to play significant political roles.
Political analyst Prasun Pandey states that when Mayawati was at her peak, she was the party’s most prominent figure, supported by a strong second line of regional leaders. These leaders came from various social backgrounds and helped solidify the party’s foundation in their areas. While Mayawati maintained a strong grip on the Dalit vote bank, Naseemuddin Siddiqui was crucial in establishing the party’s presence among the Muslim community, where he had considerable influence.
According to Pandey, Swami Prasad Maurya and Babu Singh Kushwaha were leading figures among the backward classes, with Maurya having a particularly strong hold in this demographic. He also played a key role in managing the BSP’s cadre and organization. Indrajeet Saroj had a significant following in the Pasi community, particularly in Kaushambi and surrounding areas. He was a prominent face during the BSP’s government but later left for the Samajwadi Party, where he continues to have an important role.
Pandey notes that Ram Achal Rajbhar and Lalji Verma, who hail from Ambedkarnagar, have been associated with the BSP since the era of Kanshiram. Both were considered close allies of Mayawati but were expelled from the party and are now part of the Samajwadi Party, with one serving as an MLA and the other as an MP.
Another political analyst, Virendra Singh Rawat, points out that with the continuous departure of seasoned leaders, Mayawati faces a dual challenge in the 2027 Assembly elections. She must not only maintain her traditional Dalit vote base but also engage Brahmins, backward classes, Muslims, and other non-Dalit voters to keep them aligned with the party.
Rawat emphasizes that the influx of new and grassroots leaders into any political party signals its expansion and potential for power. Conversely, the ongoing exodus of leaders as elections approach sends a negative message. Thus, maintaining the trust of leaders and workers is a significant challenge for Mayawati.
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