The Bahujan Reawakening: Mayawati’s Rally Signals Political Reset

Lucknow: In the early days of October, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati transformed Lucknow’s Ramabai Rally Sthal into a sea of blue during the Mahasankalp Rally, held on the 19th death anniversary of party founder Kanshi Ram. Drawing an estimated 2–5 lakh supporters from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, and Haryana, the massive turnout evoked memories of BSP’s peak years in the early 2000s. The event, steeped in symbolism and strategy, doubled as a revival mission ahead of the 2027 UP Assembly elections, signaling Mayawati’s determination to reclaim BSP’s role as the principal voice of Dalits and the marginalized.

Mayawati began by paying floral tributes to Kanshi Ram, invoking his vision of autonomous Dalit politics. Her fiery address blended emotion and defiance—criticizing the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress for “betraying” Dalits under their PDA (Pichhda-Dalit-Alpasankhyak) alliance. Declaring that BSP would contest the 2027 polls without alliances, she asserted, “Past coalitions only benefited others; they weakened our mission.” Her words revived echoes of her 2007 solo victory, when BSP formed the government independently.

A highlight was the formal introduction of Akash Anand, Mayawati’s nephew, as national vice president and political heir. His return to prominence, after internal rifts and past controversies, was greeted with loud cheers. His speech—urging voters to crown Mayawati chief minister for a fifth time—symbolized both generational renewal and organizational unity. Months of grassroots work, booth-level mobilization, and the formation of “Bhaichara Committees” culminated in this formidable show of strength.

Politically, the rally marks a turning point. After BSP’s 2024 Lok Sabha wipeout (zero seats, 9.39% vote share), many dismissed the party as irrelevant. But this resurgence may fracture the SP-Congress base, introducing a triangular contest in 2027. Mayawati’s brief praise of the Yogi Adityanath government’s logistical support stirred speculation of a soft understanding, though she swiftly attacked the BJP on communal and law-and-order fronts.

Beyond optics, the Mahasankalp Rally rekindles the Bahujan spirit Kanshi Ram envisioned—power as the “master key” to dignity. In a state where Dalits constitute 21% of the population, Mayawati’s message was unmistakable: “Those calling BSP finished must rethink.” The “Maya wave” may just be gathering once more.