Mayawati’s ‘Clever’ Strategy in Delhi Polls to Counter BJP’s B-team Narrative

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The BSP supremo fields Hindu candidates on Muslim-majority seats in Delhi to redefine party strategy and convey political messages to Uttar Pradesh

Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India

NEW DELHI — In a move that has sparked widespread discussion, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has opted to field Hindu candidates in Muslim-dominated constituencies in Delhi Assembly elections, bypassing the expected Dalit-Muslim alliance strategy. This decision, alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s campaign in the same areas, has added layers of complexity to an already charged political atmosphere.

The BSP, contesting 69 out of 70 seats in Delhi, aims to shift its narrative and extend its influence not only in Delhi but across Uttar Pradesh (UP), where the party’s political fate largely rests.

Mayawati’s decision to field Hindu candidates in nine Muslim-dominated seats in Delhi, including Okhla, Seelampur, and Mustafabad, appears to serve as a calculated move to dispel the perception of BSP as the “B-Team” of the BJP. Historically accused by opposition parties such as the Congress and Samajwadi Party of enabling the BJP’s political gains, Mayawati is using the Delhi elections to counter this narrative.

“She is clearly attempting to redefine the BSP’s image and send a message to Uttar Pradesh voters. By fielding Hindu candidates in Muslim-dominated seats, she seeks to break the stereotype that BSP only banks on Dalit-Muslim equations,” said political analyst Anwar Sheikh.

In constituencies like Seelampur, Ballimaran, Matia Mahal, and Mustafabad — where Muslims constitute between 30% and 65% of the electorate — Mayawati has fielded Hindu candidates. This decision has surprised many, especially as rival parties like the Congress, AAP, and AIMIM have retained Muslim candidates in these areas.

Notably, BSP has allotted tickets to Muslim candidates in five seats: Adarsh Nagar, Sangam Vihar, Rithala, Tughlakabad, and Laxmi Nagar. However, these constituencies do not have significant Muslim voters who comprise less than 15 per cent.

“This strategy appears to prioritise core Dalit and backward caste voters over Muslims,” said Mohammed Asif, a political observer based in Delhi. “It’s an approach that distances the BSP from its traditional alliances, raising questions about its commitment to Muslim representation.”

In Delhi, Dalits (17%) and Muslims (12%) form nearly 29% of the electorate, a combination that has historically proven powerful. This equation helped the Congress rule Delhi for 15 years and enabled the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to dominate for the last 11 years.

Political experts suggest that Mayawati’s departure from the Dalit-Muslim coalition is an experiment to consolidate her Dalit base and reclaim the BSP’s declining position in Uttar Pradesh. However, this strategy risks alienating Muslim voters, especially given the BJP’s increasing influence.

“By sidelining Muslims on critical seats, Mayawati is gambling with a delicate balance. The absence of Muslim candidates in constituencies where they form a substantial voter base may push these voters towards the AAP or Congress,” said political strategist Faizan Ahmed.

Mayawati has long been criticised for allegedly favouring BJP’s political goals, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. To counter this perception, BSP has consciously chosen Hindu candidates for Muslim-majority seats in Delhi.

“The opposition narrative of the BSP as BJP’s B-Team has hurt Mayawati deeply,” remarked Dr RK Sharma, a senior political analyst. “Her strategy in Delhi appears to signal a new direction — one where the BSP is not seen as playing second fiddle to the BJP.”

On Okhla’s Muslim-majority seat, the BSP has fielded a candidate from the Valmiki community, traditionally part of its core vote bank. This is in stark contrast to the Congress, AAP, and AIMIM, all of which have selected Muslim candidates for the seat.

Adding to the heightened political drama is Yogi Adityanath’s aggressive campaign in Delhi, scheduled to kick off on January 23. The BJP’s strategy revolves around maximising influence in Purvanchal-dominated areas and Muslim-majority constituencies. Yogi’s rallies in areas like Seelampur and Mustafabad signal the BJP’s attempt to consolidate Hindu votes while undermining Muslim-Dalit solidarity.

“Yogi’s campaign is designed to polarise these constituencies further, leveraging Hindu sentiments to divide Muslim votes,” said Ayesha Khan, a Delhi-based journalist.

The BSP’s standing has been steadily declining in both Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. While Mayawati achieved significant political heights in Uttar Pradesh, her efforts to establish the BSP in Delhi have largely failed.

Critics have also accused Mayawati of allotting tickets based on financial considerations rather than political strategy. However, this time, the BSP has prioritised candidates with strong organisational backgrounds and a commitment to its mission.

“Mayawati is playing a long game,” observed veteran journalist Sayeed Anwar. “Her focus is not just Delhi but sending a larger message to UP’s electorate, where the Dalit vote bank remains her primary strength.”

Muslim leaders and voters have expressed mixed reactions to Mayawati’s approach. While some see it as a betrayal of BSP’s traditional alliances, others argue it may protect Muslim votes from being divided among rival parties.

“By avoiding Muslim candidates on Muslim-majority seats, Mayawati is ensuring that these votes consolidate behind parties like the AAP or Congress, rather than splitting,” said Dr Aftab Alam, a sociopolitical expert.

However, community leaders like Abdul Jabbar, who is contesting on a BSP ticket from Adarsh Nagar, remain optimistic. “The BSP has always stood for the rights of marginalised communities. This election is no different. We trust Mayawati’s vision,” he said.

Mayawati’s strategy in Delhi raises critical questions about the future of BSP’s electoral politics. Is this a tactical gamble to revitalise her base in Uttar Pradesh, or a risky departure that might alienate key constituencies?

Election results will offer valuable insights into whether her calculated risks pay off. What remains certain is that the BSP’s unique approach has set the stage for a deeply polarised and unpredictable election season.

All eyes will be on the evolving dynamics between Dalits, Muslims, and Hindus in Delhi’s political landscape. Mayawati’s strategy to reshape the BSP’s image while balancing representation and core vote bank loyalty is a bold experiment — one that could redefine her legacy in Indian politics.

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