In 2013 assembly polls, the Congress had managed to win only four out of 35 seats reserved for SC candidates. The BSP had won two and the rest went to the BJP
Bhopal : Congress will contest the upcoming assembly in alliance with other parties for the first time. The party, which has been out of power for the last 15 years, has realized that it cannot form a government in the state on its own.
The party is likely to support Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP), Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) and any other party with strong prospect of victory.
According to sources, Congress state president Kamal Nath and BSP president Mayawati have already held a discussion electoral alliance. Nath has also held talks with the SP and other parties about forming an alliance.
The other parties had secured 19% in 2013 and 30% in 2008 assembly polls. The party is eying the vote share of these parties by entering into an alliance.
The BSP and the SP have considerable influence in Vindhya, Gwalior-Chambal and Bundelkhand regions of the state. Mayawati-led party has strong hold on scheduled caste voters. In 2013 assembly polls, the Congress had managed to win only four out of 35 seats reserved for SC candidates. The BSP had won just two seats while the BJP had bagged a major chunk by emerging victorious on 29 seats.
Congress believes that alliance with BSP will help increase its tally of SC seats. Though Congress leaders are not ready to speak on this matter, they don’t deny any such possibility too.
BSP president Narmada Prasad Ahirwar said no discussion with Congress had been held at state level. Congress media committee chairman Manak Agarwal said Congress high command and state president would sit with parties opposed to the BJP to decide on an alliance. Agarwal said their goal was to uproot the BJP from power in Madhya Pradesh.