Record Crowd Shows Support

The event drew an estimated 2.5 to 3 lakh supporters, exceeding BSP’s expectations. Many arrived a day in advance, with enthusiasm peaking when Mayawati entered the venue at 9:13 AM. Supporters waved blue flags and chanted slogans for both Mayawati and Akash Anand. Mayawati delivered a 1 hour 7-minute speech, preceded by Akash Anand’s address, cementing his role as the party’s second-in-command.

Attacks on Opposition Parties

During the rally, Mayawati sharply criticized the SP, BJP, and Congress, signaling a return to her traditional style of politics. She stressed unity among BSP workers and cautioned them against being swayed by opposition parties. Her speech reinforced her position as a key Dalit leader and underscored BSP’s enduring influence in Uttar Pradesh.

Grooming Akash Anand as Successor

Mayawati highlighted Akash Anand’s growing role in the party, drawing parallels between her mentorship under Kanshi Ram and her guidance of Akash. Supporters showed visible enthusiasm for him, chanting slogans and reaffirming his position as the number two leader in the BSP.

Reviving the 2007 Social Engineering Formula

The supremo reiterated the BSP’s 2007-style social engineering strategy, emphasizing representation for Dalit, OBC, Brahmin, Thakur, and Muslim communities. She praised leaders such as Satish Chandra Mishra, Umashankar Singh, and Vishwanath Pal, aiming to appeal to roughly 65% of Uttar Pradesh’s population, replicating the coalition of communities that had delivered BSP a majority in 2007.

Contesting 2027 Elections Independently

Mayawati announced that BSP will contest the 2027 assembly elections alone, citing the drawbacks of coalition politics, including reduced vote share and unstable governments. Drawing on experiences from 1993, 1996, and 2002, she argued that independent contesting aligns with the party’s goal of forming a stable government.

Countering SP’s Dalit Outreach

The rally also addressed SP’s attempts to woo Dalit voters through the PDA (Backward-Dalit-Minority) slogan. Mayawati criticized SP’s inconsistency, highlighting past actions such as renaming districts and diverting funds meant for Dalit memorials. She reaffirmed BSP as the party that genuinely represents Dalit interests.

Supporters’ Reactions

Supporters from across Uttar Pradesh expressed confidence in BSP’s resurgence. Many noted Mayawati’s continued popularity and the increasing role of Akash Anand. Muslims and other backward communities also reportedly see BSP as the party that protects their interests.