The Decline of BSP as a Dalit Force in Uttar Pradesh

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), once a formidable political force in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and a symbol of Dalit empowerment, has witnessed a steady decline over the past decade. Founded by Kanshi Ram and later led by Mayawati, the BSP once stood as a beacon of hope for the marginalised sections of society, particularly the Dalits. It was not just a political party; it was a movement aimed at giving a voice to those long oppressed by the rigid caste hierarchy of India. However, the party’s waning influence in UP has raised crucial questions about the future of Dalit politics and the urgent need for a fresh, dynamic force that can reignite the movement.

Let’s explore the reasons behind BSP’s decline, its implications for Dalit representation, and the path forward for Dalit politics in Uttar Pradesh.

The Rise and Fall of BSP

A Symbol of Dalit Empowerment

The BSP emerged as a powerful political entity in the 1990s, capitalising on Dalit identity politics. Kanshi Ram’s vision was clear: unite the Bahujan (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes) against the upper-caste domination in Indian politics. Mayawati’s ascension to power as the Chief Minister of UP four times was seen as a historic victory for Dalits.

The BSP’s social engineering strategy—combining Dalits with other marginalised communities and even forging alliances with upper castes—helped it form governments in UP. The 2007 assembly elections were a pinnacle moment when BSP secured a majority on its own, a feat celebrated as the rise of Dalit political assertion.

The Gradual Decline

However, the party’s influence has sharply declined since then. BSP’s vote share in UP fell from 30.43% in the 2007 assembly elections to 22.23% in 2012 and further down to a mere 13.4% in 2017. The 2022 elections were even more dismal, with the party winning just one seat out of 403 and its vote share plummeting to 12.88%.

Reasons for BSP’s Decline

1. Disconnect from the Grassroots

One of the biggest reasons for BSP’s decline is the growing disconnect between the party leadership and its grassroots workers. Kanshi Ram’s model emphasised continuous engagement with Dalit communities, but under Mayawati, the party’s focus gradually shifted towards centralised decision-making.

Many party workers and supporters have felt alienated due to the lack of direct communication and ground-level activism. The leadership’s failure to address the day-to-day struggles of Dalits has weakened its core base.

2. Absence of Youth Engagement

With over 50% of UP’s population being under 35, the lack of youth outreach has hurt the BSP. Unlike other parties that have actively engaged with young voters through social media campaigns and youth-centric policies, the BSP has remained largely absent from these platforms.

The party’s failure to cultivate a new generation of Dalit leaders has left a leadership vacuum, making it difficult to appeal to young voters who seek dynamic, future-focused leadership.

3. Shift in Dalit Political Preferences

Dalit voters are no longer a monolithic bloc. While Jatavs (Mayawati’s core support group) continue to back BSP to some extent, non-Jatav Dalits have increasingly aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), attracted by its welfare schemes, economic promises, and strong leadership.

The BJP’s targeted outreach to non-Jatav Dalits, combined with its narrative of development and national pride, has successfully eroded BSP’s traditional vote bank.

4. Lack of a Clear Agenda Beyond Caste Politics

While identity politics played a crucial role in BSP’s rise, the current political landscape demands a more nuanced approach. Dalits today aspire for economic mobility, better education, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

BSP’s continued reliance on caste-based rhetoric without offering a clear roadmap for development, jobs, and business growth has alienated large sections of its voter base.

5. Inability to Forge Strategic Alliances

The party’s rigid stance on alliances has further isolated it. In contrast to regional parties forming coalitions to consolidate their vote base, BSP has often chosen to go solo or form short-lived, unstable partnerships.

The failure of the SP-BSP alliance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where the coalition secured only 15 seats despite a combined vote share of over 37%, highlighted the deep-seated mistrust between allies and the lack of a cohesive strategy.

The Road Ahead: The Need for a New Dalit Force

The decline of BSP has created a political vacuum in UP, leaving millions of Dalit voters searching for an alternative. This presents an opportunity for a new Dalit-centric party or a reformed political force that can:

1. Focus on Economic Empowerment: Move beyond symbolic politics and champion policies that promote Dalit entrepreneurship, MSMEs, and access to capital.
2. Engage the Youth: Prioritize skill development, STEM education, and job creation for young Dalits.
3. Broaden the Support Base: Form strategic alliances with OBCs and other marginalised communities to build a strong, inclusive coalition.
4. Combine Social Justice with Development: Ensure social justice policies are tied to economic growth, ensuring tangible benefits for marginalised communities.
5. Embrace Modern Political Strategies: Utilize social media, digital platforms, and grassroots campaigns to connect with a tech-savvy, young voter base.

Conclusion: A New Era of Dalit Politics in UP

The BSP’s decline marks the end of an era but also signals the beginning of a new chapter for Dalit politics in UP. As the political landscape evolves, there is an urgent need for a progressive Dalit force—one that upholds the legacy of social justice while embracing economic growth and youth aspirations.

The rise of such a movement could reshape UP’s politics, offering a much-needed alternative for Dalit voters and reinvigorating the fight for equality and empowerment. The question remains: Who will step up to lead this new wave of Dalit politics?