http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/elections-mp/election_story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080074061
Will Brahmin-Dalit experiment work for BSP in MP? Sandeep Bhushan Tuesday, November 25, 2008 8:18 PM (Morena, (Madhya Pradesh)) While Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress remain in focus as parties most likely to form the government in Madhya Pradesh, a lot will depend on the Bahujan Samaj party (BSP). It has emerged as virtually the third force in large parts of the state. But the BSP's striking power will depend on how it welds together Brahmins and Dalits in MP, a model which has delivered results in Uttar Pradesh. BSP chief Mayawati's rally at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, which was the biggest in the city, in the run up to the assembly elections was a clear pointer. "In Uttar Pradesh we already have our government, now it is the turn of Madhya Pradesh," said Parshuram Mudgal, BSP candidate, Morena. For Mayawati, candidates like Parshuram Mudgal, a Brahmin, are the key to making inroads into Madhya Pradesh. But mobilising Brahmins in Madhya Pradesh will not be easy, as the political make-up there is different from Uttar Pradesh. For one, Brahmins account for only about 10 per cent of the population whereas UP has about 17 per cent Brahmins. Of the 230 seats in Madhya Pradesh, Brahmins have got 45 seats, while Thakurs have 20 seats. More importantly, Brahmins have always been powerful in Madhya Pradesh even though fewer in number. But in UP they were out of power for nearly three decades. So, swaying the Brahmins towards the BSP in Madhya Pradesh will be tougher. "In Madhya Pradesh, Brahmins have always been in power. Their power has declined. But they are still politically influential," said Mahesh Mudgal, vice-president, Brahmin Mahasabha. But the effort for the Brahmin votes is on full-scale. " Brahmins of Madhya Pradesh today are supporting Mayawatiji," said Parshuram Mudgal, BSP candidate, Morena. Morena is one of the 15 constituencies in MP where the BSP is expected to do well in the Chambal area. In fact, it could well determine how the Congress and BJP fare. But a lot depends which way Brahmins vote. On it there is no clarity. For Mayawati though, it is essential that her social engineering works, if she has ambitions of ruling from Delhi.
