In the recent past, influential Muslim leaders in BSP, such as Imran Masood and Naseemuddin Siddiqui, have parted ways with the party to join Congress.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — On her 68th birthday recently, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati chose to set a new course for the party, declaring that it will go solo in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The decision not only sent ripples across the political spectrum, it also ignited concerns within the Muslim community with questions being raised about their continued support for the party.
Mayawati’s ‘Ekla Chalo'(walk alone) stance, aimed at navigating the electoral landscape independently, has not only triggered panic among opposition parties but has also intensified a growing rift within the BSP, particularly among its Muslim leaders.
BSP MP from Amroha, Kunwar Danish Ali, currently suspended from the party since December 9, 2023, has expressed a strong inclination to join the Congress. His decision to participate in Congress’ Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and his symbolic association with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi through a shared photo indicate a potential shift in allegiance.
In the recent past, influential Muslim leaders in BSP, such as Imran Masood and Naseemuddin Siddiqui, have parted ways with the party to join Congress. Their departure has fueled speculation about the BSP’s ability to resonate with the Muslim electorate.
Senior journalist Suresh Bahadur Singh underscores the historical trend of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh aligning themselves with parties capable of countering the BJP. He suggests that Mayawati’s decision to go solo may be perceived as aligning with BJP’s interests, potentially diminishing the party’s appeal among Muslim voters.
Singh points out that Mayawati’s move might inadvertently contribute to dividing anti-BJP votes and benefiting the saffron party. Despite this, he believes that Muslims are likely to remain anti-BJP, gravitating toward whichever party demonstrates a stronger position against the ruling party, whether it be the BSP or the India Alliance.
Journalist Naval Kant Sinha notes that Muslim leaders distancing themselves from the BSP, like Kunwar Danish Ali, could find a political home in Congress. He emphasises the strategic advantage for Congress, which benefits from the inclusion of influential Muslim leaders with substantial vote banks, potentially impacting Muslim votes across multiple seats.
As the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh undergoes a significant shift, Mayawati’s decision to chart an ‘Ekla Chalo’ course not only signifies a potential reconfiguration of political alliances but also raises critical questions about the BSP’s ability to maintain support within the Muslim community as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections near.