The Pipraich byelections in Uttar Pradesh are fast turning into an “oust BSP” campaign and are also preparing the ground for a fresh realignment of political forces in the state.
In a masterstroke, the Samajwadi Party has nominated Rajmati Devi, expelled Bahujan Samaj Party leader, as its official candidate in Pipraich. Rajmati Devi is the widow of former Bahujan Samaj Party minister, Jamuna Prasad Nishad, whose death in November last year has necessitated the byelection in Pipraich.
Rajmati was expelled from the BSP when she publicly announced her decision to contest her late husband’s seat and claim his political legacy. The BSP had earlier announced that it will not contest any byelection and concentrate all its energies towards the Assembly elections next year.
“By adopting Rajmati Devi as our candidate, we have already won over the Nishad community. Her husband was first sent to jail because he protested against the rape of a Nishad girl and now that he is no more, the BSP has shunned his widow. Rajmati is bound to get sympathy votes in the constituency because her husband is looked upon as a hero,” said a Samajwadi Party leader.