BSP Unveils Early Candidate List for 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has taken an early strategic step by announcing four candidates for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, a move that includes two individuals who have recently switched parties from the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This development, confirmed by highly placed anonymous sources within the party, signals BSP's proactive approach to the upcoming polls.
Candidate Profiles and Political Backgrounds
The party has named Vinod Mishra from the Mungra Badshahpur constituency in Jaunpur, Ashish Pandey from Madhogarh in Jalaun, Abul Qais Azmi from Didarganj in Azamgarh, and Firoz Aftab from Saharanpur Rural. Vinod Mishra, identified as a party hopper, began his political career with the BJP, later moved to the SP, and joined the BSP fold approximately six months ago. Ashish Pandey is a first-time candidate who was denied a ticket by the party in both the 2017 and 2022 elections.
Abul Qais Azmi has prior experience, having contested assembly elections in 2012 and 2017 on BSP's ticket, but from Phoolpur Pawai in Azamgarh; Didarganj will be a new seat for him. Firoz Aftab recently quit the Samajwadi Party to join BSP, adding to the list of defectors. The early declaration of candidates is intended to provide them ample time to work in their respective constituencies, although the party acknowledges that changes might occur as elections are still several months away.
Strategic Outreach and Community Focus
This candidate selection aligns with BSP chief Mayawati's latest outreach efforts, particularly targeting upper caste voters, especially Brahmins. The communities represented by these candidates reflect a calculated move to broaden the party's appeal. Muslims, along with Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), constitute a significant part of the 'Bahujans,' whom the party claims as its core voters. BSP has also conducted studies on the positioning of different castes and communities in each of the four constituencies where candidates have been declared.
Party's Candidate Selection Process and Past Performance
A senior party functionary explained the candidate selection process, stating, "The candidates are declared by coordinators appointed for respective regions. They also arrange a meeting of candidates with 'Behenji' (party chief Mayawati) before announcing their names. The party never brings out any official list." This informal approach allows for flexibility and direct oversight by the leadership.
In the context of recent electoral performance, BSP faced challenges in the 2022 assembly elections, managing to win only the Rasra assembly seat in Ballia. The party polled 12.8% of the votes statewide, highlighting the need for strategic adjustments and early preparations to improve its standing in the 2027 polls.
