The possibility of such a coalition between BSP and SP in UP polls can definitely go a long way in decimating the BJP
New Delhi : Even before the victorious Grand Alliance in Bihar can take office, a proposal has been mooted that the same formula could be repeated in the most populous state Uttar Pradesh to keep away the Narendra Modi-led BJP from power in the state when elections take place in early 2017.
“A Grand Alliance is possible in the state,” said Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav while talking to reporters and tantalisingly did not elaborate. Coming a day after one of his ministers Fareed Mahfooz Kidwai had suggested that his party SP and BSP form a ”Grand Alliance” for 2017 Assembly polls to defeat BJP, this brief comment opens up a lot of possibilities.
He had said: “God willing, a grand alliance will come into being here also (like in Bihar) and we will definitely defeat BJP and form our government.”
The political situation in Uttar Pradesh has a parallel with Bihar as both the Samajwadi and Bahujan Samaj Party share a hostile relationship that is similar to the pre-2015 rivalry between RJD chief Lalu Prasad and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar . But they came together and along with Congress the third partner and decimated BJP.
But the Bihar alliance became feasible because Lalu Yadav has been disqualified from contesting elections, and he gave up his party’s claims to the top post even after winning more seats in the alliance.
Who would be prepared for this sacrifice between the SP and BSP?
However, the political situation is just the same as Bihar where the NDA had won 31 out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in 2014, in Uttar Pradesh its victory was all the more emphatic as it has captured 73 out of the 80 seats on offer.
The expression of desire by an SP minister, and its sanction by the chief minister however indicate that the ruling party in the state is willing for a deal, but whether the opposition BSP that senses a chance for itself is willing for a compromise or not, has to be seen.
The Congress strategy too would depend on the BSP’s response. But some sort of alliance could be in the making.
