BSP, SDPI to have poll tie-up

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) have entered into an electoral understanding for the Assembly elections.

Addressing a joint press conference, BSP State president Marasandra Muniyappa and SDPI State president K Abdul Majeed said here on Monday that as both parties had similar principles, it had been decided to have a seat sharing arrangement.

Maya says yes

Muniyappa said BSP national president Mayawati had given consent for the poll tie-up. In the 2008 elections, the party had fielded candidates from 221 assembly constituencies. Though some of the candidates secured impressive number of votes, they could not win, he said.

He said the BSP was keen on having a poll alliance with like-minded parties, including the Karnataka Praja Pragati Ranga, an alliance in which pro-farmers groups are also members.
However, the members of the Ranga seem to be inclined to support the KJP. Hence, the BSP decided not to have any understanding with it, he said.

Support in the offing

He said the Vatal Paksha, the JD(U) and certain social organisations may soon take a decision to support the BSP.

Majeed said that his party could win 17 seats in the ULB elections. The party is keen on working for the welfare of the oppressed communities, and hence decided to have a poll understanding with the BSP.