BSP’s show of strength 'rekindles' hope for Dalit politics in Uttar Pradesh

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* 

It was perhaps the best thing that could have happened to Uttar Pradesh after a long lull—the massive show of strength by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and its leader, Mayawati. The grand rally made a mockery of those who had been writing the party’s political obituary.

A few years ago, after BSP’s electoral defeat, at a Delhi conference aimed at bringing together SCs, STs, OBCs, and minorities, some young YouTubers asked me about the party’s future. My answer was clear: BSP will never die, because it is rooted in the Ambedkarite movement. Like any party, it faces internal challenges and needs introspection, but the critiques of BSP largely fall into two categories—those who dislike the idea of Dalit political autonomy, and those who genuinely want the BSP to succeed.

Mayawati remains the central figure of the party. She has a mind of her own, and her independence often frustrates both her critics and admirers. Yet, as the principal Dalit-led political force in Uttar Pradesh, BSP’s revival depends largely on her will. For millions of Dalits in the state, Mayawati continues to embody political assertion and dignity. The latest rally has reignited hope that BSP could indeed rise again.

The BSP’s strength lies in the groundwork laid by its founder, Manyawar Kanshi Ram. He spent years mobilizing people before launching the party. Although the Ambedkarite movement and the Republican Party of India already existed in Uttar Pradesh, they had faded due to compromises by their leaders. Kanshi Ram’s movement revived political consciousness among the marginalized.

Today, BSP’s uniqueness lies in its organic following. Unlike many political parties that rely on state machinery and huge financial resources to mobilize crowds, BSP’s workers and supporters turn up voluntarily, driven by emotional and ideological loyalty to Mayawati. No other political leader commands such spontaneous mass appeal among Dalits.

At present, BSP’s real strength remains confined to Uttar Pradesh. Its potential to expand elsewhere depends on whether it can first regain its lost ground in the state. Personally, I would welcome a revival of BSP, and I believe Mayawati remains one of the most capable administrators in India—her governance record compares favorably to both Yogi Adityanath and Akhilesh Yadav.

While a BSP–SP alliance seems unlikely now, both parties continue to represent different strands of social justice politics. The importance of BSP transcends electoral victories; its very existence has reshaped India’s political landscape. From Rahul Gandhi’s constitutional campaign to Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA narrative, and from the BJP’s symbolic elevation of Dalit leaders like Ram Nath Kovind and Draupadi Murmu—each reflects the enduring influence of Kanshi Ram’s movement.

Democracy thrives on political diversity. India needs multiple parties that represent varied social interests. Just as Tamil Nadu has witnessed stable social justice politics, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar too deserve such alternatives. For that, ideological clarity and unity are essential—Ambedkar, Phule, and Periyar must be invoked together, complemented by local icons of equality.

As the state prepares for 2027, one thing is certain: people are yearning for change. The BSP’s rejuvenated cadre, inspired by Mayawati’s renewed energy, could well be the catalyst. Today’s rally in memory of Kanshi Ram was more than a tribute—it was a declaration that the Ambedkarite movement in Uttar Pradesh is far from over. Whether BSP can sustain this momentum remains to be seen, but Mayawati has spoken—and the people are listening.

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*Human rights defender