A third front is likely to emerge in the politically significant State of Uttar Pradesh with Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar looking to forge an alliance with the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
Speaking exclusively to The Hindu after severing ties with the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Sunday, Mr. Rajbhar said, “After July 27, we will meet Mayawati ji and request her to take the lead in forming a larger coalition of Dalits and Extremely Backward Caste (EBC) groups, which have been continuously ignored by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the SP.”
The SBSP chief said smaller EBC groups such as Nishad, Pal and Baghel did not have sizeable numbers individually but their combined strength would account for 40% of the electorate. “If we secure the BSP’s support, then this alliance would be a winnable coalition. I want to play an active role in building such a platform in the State,” he said.
