BSP

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is a national political party founded by visionary leader Kanshi Ram on April 14, 1984. BSP rapidly spread its roots in Uttar Pradesh and emerged as the single largest party by 1991. It has significant base in many North Indian states but failed to spread in South India in spite of having favourable conditions.

BSP ideology: “Social Transformation and Economic Emancipation” of the Bahujan Samaj.

Party President: Mayawati

Party office address: 12, Gurudwara Rakabganj Road, New Delhi – 110001

Election symbol: Elephant

Official website: http://bspindia.org/

BSP’s miserable failure in Andhra Pradesh is difficult to understand. In Andhra, SCs generally vote for Congress Party but rarely enjoy power. So, BSP should have an easy ride in AP but it failed due to lack of strong leadership. Political analysts expected miracles from BSP in 1994 elections but it failed to show any impact due to NTR wave in that Assembly polls. BSP failed to recover from that debacle.

Corruption charges against Mayawati dented BSP’s image to an extent in rest of India but not in Uttar Pradesh. In UP, BSP is maintaining strong lead over opposition parties.

Glorious moments in BSP history:

1. It emerged as the single largest party in 1991 in Uttar Pradesh.

2. BSP won in 206 seats out of 402 in 2007 Assembly elections.

3. Clean sweep in 2010 UP Panchayat polls.

Worst moments in BSP history:

1. Demise of BSP founder Kanshi Ram.

2. Corruption charges against Mayawati.

If Mayawati succeeds in selecting a good leader, BSP has the potential to emerge as the third largest party in Andhra Pradesh.