Lucknow, September 3 (Daily Kiran) : The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is losing its grassroots support, according to Ravidas Malhotra, a legislator from the Samajwadi Party (SP). Malhotra criticized BSP leader Mayawati’s decision to withhold significant responsibilities from Akash Anand, suggesting that the BSP is functioning as the “B team” of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He asserted that the party’s influence in Uttar Pradesh has diminished, positioning the SP to potentially form the next government independently.
Malhotra responded to Mayawati’s remarks regarding Anand, stating that BSP leaders who oppose the BJP are marginalized or expelled from the party. He pointed out that Anand, who has been vocal against the BJP, is now being labeled as an immature leader within the BSP. This, he argues, reflects the party’s alignment with the BJP’s interests.
Addressing Mayawati’s announcement about contesting the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections alone, Malhotra recalled a similar claim made by the BSP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He noted that the party’s support base has eroded, with Dalit voters shifting towards the SP. Malhotra believes the atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh favors the SP, with the public expressing a desire to see Akhilesh Yadav as Chief Minister.
On the recent appointment of former Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as the new CEO of the Ram Mandir Trust, he emphasized the need for an investigation into alleged financial irregularities related to temple donations and assets. He called for an inquiry to be conducted under the supervision of a High Court or Supreme Court judge, ensuring that any missing assets are recovered and future management of the temple remains transparent.
Responding to demands from Congress leaders Imran Masood and Rajendra Pal Gautam for equitable seat-sharing in the upcoming elections, Malhotra maintained that the SP is capable of forming a government independently in Uttar Pradesh. However, he acknowledged the possibility of collaborating with the Congress to prevent the fragmentation of non-BJP votes and to support the India alliance.
Malhotra indicated that the top leadership of both parties would decide on seat-sharing arrangements. He advised party members to refrain from public statements on sensitive issues like this.
In light of recent criticisms from Imran Masood targeting the SP, Malhotra defended the SP’s grassroots organization, highlighting the establishment of booth-level committees and ongoing outreach efforts. He reiterated that the final decision on any alliance with Congress would rest with the leadership of the India alliance and the national heads of both parties.
Malhotra also recognized the role of the SP-Congress alliance in the anticipated success of the Congress in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, asserting that the SP’s strong organizational foundation and diverse social support could help consolidate non-BJP votes in the upcoming elections.
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