BSP drops idea to contest in assembly by-election in Baroda in Haryana

Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, September 30

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has dropped the idea of contesting by-election in Baroda assembly in Haryana, scheduled for November 3.

The party, however, is firm to mobilise support against the BJP-JJP coalition government and work for defeating their joint nominee in Baroda.

The decision not to contest in the by-election has been taken by BSP supremo and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati in consultation with senior party leaders from Haryana on Monday.

During the meeting, Mayawati told the leaders that the party should focus on the coming panchayat elections which will help build party’s base at the grass-root level, across the state.

The panchayat elections would be held sometime early next year. 

“The party is not in a position to win in Baroda. Hence, tactically, it should not expose itself and demoralise the cadre by losing in the election which would have long term implication,” Mayawati said at the meeting.

During the meeting the leaders batted for contesting the by-election.

A BSP leader said Mayawati also sought the present ground realities in Haryana, especially in Baroda.

The BSP strategy is to adopt policy of “wait and watch” regarding extending support to any candidate in the fray.

Mayawati’s directive to BSP cadre for now is to support an Independent candidate, but she will take a final call before the day of the election. She conveyed as much to leaders during the meeting.

BSP nominee had got about 3,500 votes in Baroda in the last assembly election in the state.

In the exigency of a close contest, BSP vote bank would assume importance.

The by-election has been necessitated due to the demise of sitting Congress MLA Krishan Hooda. 

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