Mayawati: If ballot papers replace EVMs, BJP will lose elections
After BJP's spectacular performance in UP civic polls, in a case of sour grapes, Mayawati challenged the BJP saying that her party would dominate the 2019 LS elections if voting is done through ballot papers. Mayawati has been demanding the use of ballot papers ever since her party lost abysmally in the Assembly elections; BSP won only 19 of UP's 403 seat-assembly. Here's more!
What was the result of the UP civic polls?
In the UP civic polls, BJP won 14 of 16 mayoral posts. Surprisingly, BSP won mayoral posts in Aligarh and Meerut. The SP and Congress failed to open their accounts. In a major embarrassment to Rahul Gandhi, Congress failed to retain Amethi. Mayawati expressed happiness that BSP fought polls on its party symbol and received support from Dalits and minorities, especially Muslims.
Mayawati and UP deputy-CM Dinesh Sharma exchange barbs
Mayawati, however, remarked "If BJP is honest and believes in democracy, then discard EVMs and conduct voting on ballot papers for 2019 LS elections. If BJP believes people are with them, they must implement it. I can guarantee if ballot papers are used, BJP won't come to power." UP deputy-CM Dinesh Sharma denied allegations of faulty EVMs and blamed Mayawati for playing vote-bank politics.
Now, what is Mayawati's strategy?
After a mini-resurgence, Mayawati made overtures to OBCs. Regarding a possible coalition with other parties, she said "The BSP wants a coalition of sarv samaj- Dalits, tribals, backward, minorities (Muslims), upper-castes, linking them through brotherhood." Interestingly, the party performed well despite Mayawati's absence from campaigning. Thus, Mayawati might use this win to bolster BSP's sagging morale after repeated electoral losses.
