Mayawati’s decision not to contest the Lok Sabha poll is perplexing. Her claim that she is doing so in order to be able to campaign freely for her party candidates does not sound convincing. She has claimed that once the elections are over, and she is chosen to lead a non-BJP government, she can get herself elected to the Lok Sabha on a seat vacated by a BSP MP. This is meant to cloud the real reason.
Speculation has gained ground that she fears that were she to contest the poll, she could find herself in a tight spot due to her deep distrust by other castes. It is common knowledge that while Mayawati’s core supporters among Dalits dutifully transfer their votes to her allies, but Yadavs who support the Samajwadi Party have strong reservations.
They are particularly loath to vote for her and other BSP candidates. Getting herself tied down in a tough contest would have made the situation embarrassing for the BSP supremo. The argument that she needed to be free to campaign for party candidates carries little conviction.