The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), led by former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, is facing the daunting possibility of losing its national party status due to its lackluster performance in the recent Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The party’s failure to secure any seats and a diminished vote share of 2.04% have raised concerns about its standing.
As the sole national-level Dalit party in India, the BSP risks losing its national party status pending a review by the Election Commission of India.
The Six National Political Parties
Currently, six political parties hold national party status, including the BJP, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, National People’s Party, CPM, and the BSP.
Established by Kanshi Ram in April 1984, the BSP saw Mayawati succeed him as its leader. The party attained national recognition in 1997, but its electoral performance has waned since the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
According to the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, a party must meet certain criteria, including securing at least 6% of valid votes in four or more states, electing at least four MPs, and being a recognized state party in at least four states, to maintain national party status.
A national party must also win 2% of seats in the Lok Sabha spread across three states. Given the BSP’s declining performance, meeting these requirements seems increasingly challenging.
The Decline of the BSP
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BSP failed to secure any seats, marking a significant drop from its ten-seat victory in the 2019 general election. The party’s vote share plummeted to 2.04%, according to official records.
In previous elections, the BSP garnered varying levels of support, with notable victories in 2009 but subsequent declines in 2014 and now in 2024, casting doubt on its ability to maintain national party status.
A recent report from the Indian Express suggests that the BSP may not satisfy the criteria necessary to retain its national party status, raising concerns about its future standing in the political landscape.
Once the statistical reports from the 2024 elections are published, the Election Commission is likely to initiate a review process that could further jeopardize the BSP’s national party status.
A History of Uncertainty
This is not the first time the BSP has faced the risk of losing its national party status. In 2014, amendments to the rules by the Election Commission narrowly saved its status, signaling a recurring challenge for the party.
Being designated as a national party offers numerous benefits, including a common election symbol, official office accommodations in Delhi, free electoral roll copies, and airtime on national platforms during elections. The BSP’s uncertain future underscores the stakes involved in maintaining its national status.