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Former BSP leaders join hands ahead of LS polls
BSP supremo Mayawati's former lieutenants have joined hands to float a new alliance with the sole objective of challenging their former party.
BSP supremo Mayawati's former lieutenants have joined hands to float a new alliance with the sole objective of challenging their former party.
The new alliance - Adhikar Manch - which has decided to contest all the 80 seats in the state, launched its poll campaign even before the dates of the Lok Sabha elections were announced. The group comprises leaders who were considered as trusted lieutenants of Mayawati and Kanshiram.
The campaign is being led by regional party Apna Dal headed by Sone Lal Patel, who was once a BSP rank holder.
In the last general election, the party forged an alliance with the BJP, but failed to open an account.This time the party has decided to align with the smaller regional parties, with a hope of making an impact.
Another alliance partner Bhartiya Samaj Party, too is an off shoot of the ruling BSP. Bhartiya Samaj Party is led by Om Prakash Rajbhar, who was once a trusted lieutenant of Mayawati.
Having influence in Rajbhar community, he made a foray in the electoral politics in last polls. The party which bagged 3.8 per cent votes in the last Assembly elections, will now contest 18 parliamentary seats in eastern UP.
"Though I was approached by the Samajwadi Party, which wanted me to contest from Ghosi, I declined the offer and decided to align with like-minded parties," Rajbhar said.
