In preparation for the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections in 2023, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), led by former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, has unveiled its second list of 17 candidates. This announcement, made in accordance with Mayawati’s instructions, includes a woman candidate. So far, the BSP has declared contenders for 26 seats. Chhattisgarh, currently governed by the Congress party, is set to hold elections on November 7 and 17, divided into two phases.
BSP Reveals Second List of Candidates for Chhattisgarh Elections 2023
Among the 17 candidates named by BSP, 9 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), and 3 for Scheduled Castes (SC). Some notable nominees include Narendra Sahu for the Bhatgaon seat, Innocent Kujur for Pathalgaon (ST), and Narayan Ratnakar for Sarangarh (SC). This diverse list underscores BSP’s commitment to inclusivity.
Additionally, BSP has opted to form an alliance with the Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) for the upcoming elections. According to their seat-sharing agreement, BSP and GGP will contest 53 and 37 seats, respectively, out of the 90-member assembly. In the previous assembly elections, BSP had forged an alliance with Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and the Communist Party of India (CPI). However, this time, BSP will collaborate with GGP. BSP had secured two seats and 3.87 percent of the votes in the previous elections, while GGP received 1.73 percent of the votes and contested 38 seats.
BSP’s Candidate Nominees for Chhattisgarh Assembly
BSP enjoys considerable influence among the Scheduled Caste population in central Chhattisgarh, while GGP has support in tribal-dominated areas of Bilaspur and Surguja. Analysts predict that this alliance could challenge the ruling party Congress’s voter base.
Notably, the BSP is also gearing up to contest assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in partnership with the Gondwana Gantantra Party. However, the party will run independently in Rajasthan and Telangana and abstain from participating in the northeastern state of Mizoram’s assembly elections. The Election Commission of India’s announcement highlights the significance of ensuring free and fair voting, which is vital for the future of democracy. Mayawati emphasized the need to curb misleading promises and divisive tactics used by ruling parties during elections and called for strict action against violence and caste-based politics.
