Mayawati Claims Muslims Are Drifting From SP Towards BSP, Citing Brahmin Support Shift

LUCKNOW, Sept 21: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday claimed that sections of the Muslim community in Uttar Pradesh were moving away from the Samajwadi Party (SP) and towards the BSP, drawing a comparison with the support she said the party had received from Brahmins and other upper-caste groups.

In a post on X, Mayawati questioned the Samajwadi Party’s preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and particularly targeted its proposed ‘PDA Rath’. She pointed to the vehicle’s colour scheme, saying it contained less of the SP’s traditional red and more saffron, which she associated with the BJP and RSS.

Mayawati questioned whether the change represented an attempt by the SP leadership to adjust its political messaging for electoral purposes or reflected uncertainty over securing Muslim support. Her comments came as political parties intensify preparations for the next Assembly election in Uttar Pradesh.

The BSP leader claimed that Muslim voters had supported the SP in large numbers in previous elections but argued that this had not prevented the BJP from forming governments in Uttar Pradesh and at the Centre. Based on that, she asserted that members of the community were reconsidering their political support and moving towards the BSP.

Mayawati also drew a parallel with upper-caste voters, particularly Brahmins, whom she claimed had previously shifted towards the BSP. These assertions were presented by the BSP chief as part of her assessment of changing electoral preferences; they were not accompanied by independent polling evidence in her post.

She further criticised the SP’s use of the term ‘PDA’, asking the party to clarify what the formulation represents. Mayawati alleged that the meaning associated with the acronym had changed at different times, including references to backward classes, Dalits and Pandits.

The BSP chief also accused the SP of attempting to project itself as an Ambedkarite party by adopting symbols and imagery associated with the BSP. She referred to the use of blue clothing, a colour strongly associated with the BSP, and claimed that such efforts had not been accepted by the public.

Mayawati contrasted this with the BSP’s stated ideological position. She described her party as an Ambedkarite organisation committed to the principle of ‘Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay’, which broadly means welfare and happiness for all sections of society.

She also highlighted the BSP’s record in government, particularly in areas such as law and order, crime control, welfare and development. These comments formed part of her broader argument that the party could offer governance focused on different sections of society.

The remarks come as the SP prepares to launch its PDA-focused campaign ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The party’s PDA formulation is centred on backward classes, Dalits and minorities, while the BSP is seeking to strengthen its own political outreach across different social groups.

Mayawati’s latest comments add another dimension to the competition between the BSP and SP, particularly over their respective appeals to marginalised and minority communities. Her remarks also indicate that the BSP intends to challenge the SP’s campaign messaging as political activity increases ahead of the state election.

The claims regarding shifts in voter support remain Mayawati’s political assessment. The available reports on her statement do not establish an independent measure showing that Muslim voters across Uttar Pradesh are collectively moving from the SP to the BSP.