Maya jolt for Opposition

BSP chief Mayawati’s decision to tie up with breakaway Congress leader Ajit Jogi for the Chhattisgarh polls later this year only reinforces the view that an anti-BJP pre-election front isn’t a major priority for her. Ms Mayawati’s party was in discussions with the Congress for an alliance, but clearly the dalit supremo was also in secret conversations with Mr Jogi. In Madhya Pradesh, where too the Congress and BSP have been in talks, Ms Mayawati announced the names of 22 BSP candidates, not waiting for the end of talks. If the Congress is pragmatic, it will proceed on the basis that the two parties will not be tying up.

Ms Mayawati’s actions have put paid to the notion of the so-called “mahagathbandhan” of key Opposition parties against the BJP in the 2019 elections. The expression had come into vogue after the BJP’s defeat in the Karnataka polls earlier this year, and subsequently in key byelections in Uttar Pradesh where a BSP-SP combine had put the BJP to flight.

Ms Mayawati’s recent steps have tactically helped the BJP. While it’s not clear what the quid pro quo will be, those who had hoped to reach a pre-poll understanding with the BSP may find it advisable to no longer think of her as a possible ally in the parliamentary election.

The Congress and the Samajwadi Party, in particular, must rethink their Uttar Pradesh strategies, and see if there is still potential to do business with dalit supremo, or if they should look elsewhere. The BJP suddenly looks to be on a better wicket in key north Indian states than it was just days back.