From Pradeep Kapoor
LUCKNOW: BSP supremo Mayawati has taken lead in making preparations for 2014 Lok Sabha polls well in advance.
Even in her defeat BSP remained number two position in more than 200 seats pushing national parties far behind. Mayawati sees role of king maker for herself in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
No other political party held so many meetings after the polls as BSP did under the leadership of Mayawati. Mayawati discussed the issue of defeat in the polls and looking beyond Lok Sabha polls.
Mayawati has dissolved all the party units and is busy in revamping the entire BSP to face the challenge of 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
Significantly enough, Mayawati is not depending on the then cabinet secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh, who was considered to be very close to BSP supreme. Mr Satish Mishra who was Brahmin face of the party and Mr Nasimuddin Siddiqui who was Muslim face of the party, have also been cold shouldered.
It may be mentioned here that BSP supremo almost dumped Shashank Shekhar Singh who was certain to get Rajya Sabha seat. Mayawati cancelled Singh’ name when there was virtual revolt against him in the party. Senior party leaders held him responsible for mishandling the administration during last five years which saw downfall of BSP in the polls.
Similarly Mr Satish Mishra who was considered to be Brahmin face of party was sidelined following erosion in Brahmin support for the party in recently concluded assembly polls.
Likewise Mr Nasimuddin Siddiqui who is facing inquiry from Lok Ayukt on corruption charges has been dropped by Mayawati. Lok Ayukt had recommended inquiry by Enforcement Directorate against Nasimuddin Siddiqui.
BSP sources disclosed that Mayawati is now depending on old timers regarding selecting coordinators and other office-bearers.
Mayawati has made it clear that the review of the results shows that BSP had retained her dalit votes and there was division in upper caste votes in BJP and Congress while SP got major chunk of Muslim votes.
BSP supremo has made emotional appeal to party leaders and workers to work for 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
Baichara samitis have again been set up to establish contact with different castes to broaden the base of the party in view of Lok Sabha polls.
Mayawati has also finalized the names of almost 30 candidates out of total 80 Lok Sabha constituencies and they have been asked to start the campaigning in their respective constituencies.
On Ambedkar Jayanti, in order to retain her dalit support former chief minister Mayawati warned of nation wide law and order trouble if chief minister Akhilesh Yadav ever tried to interfere in memorials constructed by Mayawati government. (IPA)