Rahul Gandhi's Bold Confession: The Alliance That Could Have Crushed BJP in UP - But Why Didn’t It Happen?

Raebareli(The Uttam Hindu): In a startling revelation on Thursday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated that if the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) had joined forces with the opposition in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it would have led to a decisive defeat for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh. Gandhi expressed confusion over BSP chief Mayawati’s reluctance to form an alliance despite her role in advancing Dalit rights in the state.

Gandhi’s comments came during a discussion with a Dalit youth, who praised Mayawati for improving the condition of Dalits during her time in power. Gandhi responded by revealing that the opposition had invited Mayawati to join the INDIA alliance, a move he believes would have made the path to power much easier. As Uttar Pradesh prepares for its assembly elections in 2025, the BJP has strengthened its position with recent successes, including victories in by-elections and the Kumbh Mela. However, Gandhi’s remarks suggest that the opposition is laying the groundwork for a concerted effort to challenge the BJP's dominance in the state.

Historically, the SP, BSP, and Congress have not fought elections together, though alliances have formed at various times. In the 2019 elections, BSP secured 10 seats, while its ally SP won five, though both were overshadowed by the BJP's massive 312-seat win.

The BSP’s influence has waned in recent years, with leaders like Chandrashekhar Azad emerging as new contenders for the Dalit vote. Gandhi’s comments, along with the growing discontent within the BSP, indicate that the opposition may capitalize on this rift to challenge the BJP in future elections.