BSP facing challenge from parties trying to win over Dalits

AFTER THE LS POLL SETBACK IN U.P., THE BJP IS WORKING TO REGAIN ITS HOLD OVER THE DALIT AND OBC VOTES THAT WAS BREACHED BY THE SAMAJWADI PARTY

- Rajesh Kumar Singh

LUCKNOW: Struggling to recover from the successive electoral debacles and shrinking support base, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is now facing another challenge—rival political parties' bid to win the support of Dalits in the run-up to the 2027 assembly election in Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking in the legislative assembly over the state's annual budget 2025-26, CM Yogi Adityanath made it clear that Dalits and welfare of the weaker sections will be top priority of his government.

Invoking Dalit icons, Yogi said projects will be launched to highlight the contribution of Dr BR Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram, Sant Ravidas, Sant Kabir, Maharshi Valmiki and Maharaja Suheldev.

After the 2024 Lok Sabha election setback in UP, the BJP is working to regain its hold over the Dalit and OBC votes that was breached by the Samajwadi Party. Of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP won just 33 seats in the 2024 polls.