Mayawati's BSP scouts for new leaders to make a comeback
Ahead of the 2017 assembly elections in UP, several senior leaders had departed from the Mayawati-led BSP. Now, as the party tries to build up its presence before the Lok Sabha elections, it's feeling the pinch. This has forced Mayawati to scout for a second-rung of leadership among its cadres. Notably, about 150 leaders had quit BSP; most of them are now BJP MLAs.
Why did BSP witness a mass exodus of senior leaders?
Before the Assembly polls, leaders like Naseemudin Siddiqui, Brijesh Pathak, RK Chaudhary and Swami Prasad Maurya either resigned or were expelled. They were considered the BSP supremo's trusted aides. Ironically, Pathak and Maurya are now ministers in CM Yogi Adityanath's BJP government. From accusing Mayawati of auctioning tickets to criticizing her for corruption and nepotism, these leaders have brutally slammed their former leader.
Now, Mayawati is reorganizing the party from the booth level
Presently, the party's reorganization is underway. Mayawati is holding meetings on a regular basis to pick leaders from among the cadres who have been working with "dedication since long." Reportedly, importance is being given to young leaders who are great communicators and can motivate voters in their age-group. Apart from Dalits, reorganized booth committees will give equal importance to backward, upper caste and Muslim communities.
What's more, BSP strengthens organizations in states going to polls
Moreover, Mayawati has directed the organization of cadre camps for gauging people's moods and gathering information about workers on the ground. BSP is also looking to strengthen the organization of states going to polls this year. Mayawati has been hard at work reviewing the party's preparations in MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. She also visited Karnataka and entered into a pre-poll alliance with JD(S).
Will Mayawati band with parties to keep BJP in check?
So, does a pre-poll alliance in Karnataka signify any such plan for LS elections? Apparently, this suspense will unfold at the eleventh hour. Mayawati will consider a pre-poll alliance "only when the offer made to her is concrete as well as honorable. Else, the BSP will go alone and there is no change in it as of now," claims a senior BSP leader.
