Mayawati cries conspiracy, says BSP being targeted ahead of 2027 UP battle

Amid a controversy of an alleged sting operation, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday dismissed it as part of a "well-planned conspiracy” to defame the party and its leadership ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

In a statement on X, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati said political opponents and a section of the media, unsettled by the BSP’s growing activity and support base ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections in the state, were running misleading and defamatory campaigns.

She asserted that the party’s candidate selection process is transparent and multi-layered. Party functionaries, she said, regularly interact with and screen prospective candidates, assessing their social standing, political background, organizational capability, loyalty and long-term commitment.

Urging cadres not to be swayed by rumors, Mayawati called upon party workers to remain focused on preparations for the 2027 polls.

The BSP chief said the party represents the interests of the Bahujan Samaj as well as economically weaker sections among upper castes, and works in line with the ideals of Dr B.R. Ambedkar for constitutional rights and justice. She maintained that the BSP functions independently, without relying on big capitalists, drawing strength instead from the support of its members.

Mayawati alleged that such independence does not suit “narrow, casteist, communal and capitalist forces”, which, she said, often resort to attempts to malign the party, particularly as elections approach.

She further claimed that a section of the media was raising questions over the BSP’s candidate selection process to divert attention from electoral manoeuvres of other parties.

“All office-bearers, including Uttar Pradesh unit president Vishwanath Pal, are currently engaged in strengthening the organization, expanding its support base across communities, and preparing a list of potential candidates with thorough screening,” she said.

Mayawati added that interactions with ticket aspirants involve detailed questioning, similar to cross-examination in a court, to evaluate their suitability -- a process that should not be misrepresented at face value.

Appealing to both the media and party workers, she urged them not to fall prey to “sponsored conspiracies” by rival parties, and instead remain focused on the BSP’s ‘Mission 2027’.