‘BSP to contest civic polls on its symbol’

LUCKNOW: The BSP has decided to contest the urban local body election, slated in July, on its symbol. The BSP had skipped civic polls last time. Sources said the move to take on the BJP in the urban local body is aimed at mobilising the BSP cadre which is disillusioned after the rout in the recent assembly elections.

LUCKNOW: The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has decided to contest the urban local body election, slated in July, on its symbol.

The BSP had skipped civic polls last time.

Sources said the move to take on the BJP in the urban local body is aimed at mobilising the BSP cadre which is disillusioned after the rout in the assembly elections held recently.

Addressing party leaders, office-bearers and MLAs in a meeting organised in Lucknow’s state unit office, BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday said, “The rival political parties are not only delighted over BSP defeat but also busy spreading rumours to dampen the morale of party workers.”

“The RSS is trying to implement its agenda through the BJP government and it will spell ill for the democratic values. The Dalits, OBC and the minority communities will be deprived of their share in power. They will be marginalized and forced to live as slave,” she said while announcing that the Bahujan Samaj Party has decided to continue its struggle for the empowerment of Dalits.

“Along with a political party, the BSP is a movement and defeat in the assembly election will not dampen its spirit. The party will draw new strategy to take on the upcoming challenges. The party cadre will work at the grassroot level with new vigour,” she said.

Mayawati has already given indication that she was willing to be part of a larger anti-BJP front to stop the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

A political analyst SK Prasad said, three successive defeats in the election has brought BSP on the brink of survival.

Aware that rivals are trying to make inroads into Bahujan Samaj Party vote bank, Mayawati has decided to counter it by fielding candidates in the local body election.

Mayawati’s younger brother Anand Kumar, who has been appointed national vice-president of the party, was present in the meeting.

Announcing the elevation of Anand to second top post in the party, Mayawati on April 14 had announced that he will participate in all meetings and handle party affairs as well.

COMMITTEES DISSOLVED

Meanwhile, Mayawati on Wednesday dissolved the divisional, zonal and bhai-chara committees. In the local body election the candidates have been exempted from depositing fund in party coffer.