The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is likely to contest all the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, a move that could dent the efforts of forming a formidable anti-NDA alliance in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Party chief Mayawati has called a meeting in New Delhi on February 28 to take a final decision on the issue.
In Parliamentary constituencies sharing border with neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, such as Gopalgunj, Kaimur and Rohtas, the BSP wields some influence. In the last Assembly elections in 2015, the BSP had polled a meagre 2.07 % of the total votes. Of the 228 seats it had contested, all except three had lost their deposits.
According to BSP state in-charge Lalji Medhkar and state party president Bharat Bind, Ms. Mayawati has instructed them to start preparations for all 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar.
“She has convened a meeting of all state party leaders and office-bearers in Delhi on February 28 to take a final decision on the issue,” said Mr. Medhkar, adding that his party may not be a part of the Grand Alliance. Sources in the state BSP told The Hindu that Ms. Mayawati could finalise the list of candidates during that meeting.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition in Bihar assembly and RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav had gone to Lucknow to greet Mayawati on her birthday and, according to party sources, had offered the BSP two Lok Sabha seats in Bihar.
The Grand Alliance comprises the RJD, Congress, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party, Jitan Ram Manjhi-led HAM (S), Vikassheel Insaan Party, and the CPI, CPI-M and CPI-ML.