Mayawati launches nephew: Is this a new political dynasty?
What's the story
Even as the clamor against political dynasties picks up steam, Mayawati at her recent Meerut rally introduced her nephew Akash, a management postgraduate from London, as an "upcoming" party functionary. In April, Mayawati had announced her brother Anand Kumar's appointment as the party's national vice-president. What has made Mayawati, who until recently opposed dynasty politics, turn to her family? Read on to know!
Isolated
Is Mayawati feeling friendless at the top?
Mayawati may be turning to family members as she has lost her party's most senior members. Senior BSP leaders like Naseemuddin Siddiqui, who was expelled from BSP after he was accused of accepting money from party-workers in May 2017, and Swami Prasad Maurya, who quit BSP ahead of the 2017 VS elections, were disenchanted by Mayawati's politics and leveled serious corruption charges against her.
Dalit face
Mayawati's party now lacks experienced Dalit faces
Another reason for promoting family members may be that BSP presently lacks Dalit leaders. Dalit leaders like Baliram Babu and Ambeth Rajan, who are former RS MPs, were responsible for building the party with BSP supremo Kanshi Ram. However, they have been ousted from the party. Moreover, Satish Chandra Misra, BSP general secretary and a Brahmin, does not enjoy Dalit acceptance.
Do you know?
BSP's September 18 Meerut rally was a significant event
In the 2017 UP Assembly elections, BSP won 19 of the 403 seats, though it contested all. The Meerut rally that introduced her nephew was the first public meeting since the polls and was an "acid test." Party claimed about one lakh people attended it.
Rallies
What is Mayawati's strategy to get back to the top?
The Meerut maharally of September 18 was the first of many rallies planned by Mayawati to stay active in UP politics. Every month, she will address rallies on the same date. UP's 18 divisions have been clubbed in groups of three to address all divisions in six months. Swarajyamag reports the reason for clubbing three divisions is Mayawati fearing that turnout will be low.
Future
How does the future appear for Mayawati?
Presently in UP, there is a vacuum for a full-fledged Dalit party. Disillusioned by Mayawati's grand birthday celebrations and statue constructions, Dalits had flocked towards BJP and SP. To become relevant, Mayawati will have to connect with the Dalits by addressing their aspirations and be accessible to her workers. If changes are made in her leadership style, Mayawati could regain her lost voter base.