Maya UP poll strategy has taken BJP, SP unawares

Stepping into the political limelight after a long break, BSP leader Mayawati has demonstrated that she is down not out. Once known for her social engineering, she has taken care in selecting party nominees on the basis of caste equations tailored to each constituency.

Kamal Jayant, a political analyst associated with Bahujan Samaj, remarked, "Mayawati's strategy has caught both BJP and SP off guard.”

Mayawati's candidate lineup now includes not only

Muslims but also Rajputs. highlighting the perceived neglect of Rajputs by the BJP and the marginalization of Muslims by the SP in ticket distribution.

The dynamics of the contest have shifted significantly with the entry of former MLA Shiv Prasad Yadav under the BSP banner in Mainpuri rocking SP's Dimple Yadav's seemingly secure position, while Srikala Reddy's emergence as a BSP candidate in Jaunpur challenges BJP's Kripa Shankar Singh's presumed advantage.

Reddy, the wife of jailed mafia don-cum-politician Dhananjay Singh, wields considerable influence in Jaunpur. BSP's strategic moves have disrupted the plans of political stalwarts like SP's Shivpal Yadav. In Budaun, the candidacy of former MLA Muslim Khan poses a hurdle to Shivpal Yadav's aspirations for his son, Aditya Yadav, as Khan threatens to dent SP’s Muslim vote bank. Appealing support for Devvrat Tyagi, her party's nominee in Meerut, Mayawati cited previous efforts made by her party for establishing a High Court tBench in Meerut and fulfilling the demand for a separate state in western UP.

In neighboring Bareilly, former MLA Master Chhotelal Gangwar poses a threat to BJP's Chhatrapal Gangwar, setting the stage for a fierce battle over Gangwar votes. The latter hold a significant sway in the region.

Despite BSP's focus on broadening its appeal, Mayawati remains attuned to her core support base. Efforts to consolidate Dalit support are evident, with BSP national coordinator Akash Anand spearheading campaigns in Dalitdominated constituencies.