Topic: Mayawati

Mayawati’s unexpected decision to support the SP in the bypolls was an act of desperation — not just her own, but also that of Dalit voters.

Voters in Phulpur have started using the word gatbandhan as if it were the name of a party by itself.

Mayawati’s party has decided to support candidates from hated rival SP in two Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, to defeat the BJP.

Dalit leader plans a national platform for youth to raise their voice. He also wants his constituency Vadgam to become a new ‘model’ for development.

Kanshi Ram was a Dalit Kautilya from Punjab who built the heartland’s Mayawati as his Chandragupta. It’s a good playbook for Jignesh Mevani, if he has the skill and ambition.

BSP chief’s latest remark is likely to dent Lalu’s efforts to forge a grand alliance against BJP

Lalu Yadav does not believe Nitish Kumar joining hands with the BJP is a blow to his efforts to forge opposition unity. Kumar Anshuman

The UP election results earlier this year signaled a growing support among the Dalits for the BJP. This was followed by NDA fielding Ram Nath Kovind as its presidential candidate, forcing the opposition to field another Dalit, Meira Kumar, as his rival. Then last week, Mayawati resigned from the Rajya Sabha, protesting against what she said was the attitude of the ruling party to suppress her voice raising Dalit issues. As parties from across the spectrum aggressively target and woo the Dalit community, what is the future of exclusive appeals by smaller parties? We ask experts.

Mayawati's Rajya Sabha report card