Delhi assembly polls: BSP cashing in on SP, NCP’s absence on field

NEW DELHI: With just 48 hours left for campaigning to end, Samajwadi Party (SP) and NCP leaders are conspicuous by their absence. Both parties were hopeful of becoming key players in Delhi politics till a month ago; but now, with their absence, BSP supremo Mayawati has seized the opportunity to campaign hard for her party, and is actually drawing crowds.

After its success in 2007 Uttar Pradesh elections, BSP had aggressively campaigned before 2008 Delhi polls. Though it had failed to secure many seats, it had registered a dramatic increase in its vote share. In close to 15 assembly constituencies, the party came second or third. "It was a big boost for the party. This time, we closely studied these constituencies while giving tickets," said ML Tomar, in-charge of Delhi elections for BSP.

Unlike BSP, SP has not shown a keen interest in Delhi. Though party president Mulayam Singh Yadav and UP CM Akhilesh Yadav were planning to hold rallies in the city, party sources say the state wing didn't get any confirmation from them. "Ramgopal Yadav is here. We had requested Mulayam and Akhilesh to hold at least one rally. But we didn't get any confirmation," said Usha Yadav, state president, SP.

Similarly, NCP, which was planning to contest on all 70 seats, has fielded candidates only on nine seats. "We couldn't find candidates with clean image," said Kanwar Pratap Singh, national secretary and president, NCP Delhi. "As we don't have too many candidates, not many senior leaders are campaigning this time. Praful Patel held a public meeting yesterday. No more such meetings are planned for the next two days," Singh added.

Making the most of the situation, Mayawati is holding back-to-back rallies in all seven parliamentary constituencies. The party has managed to ensure a good turnout, even in areas like Nanakpura, which is a part of the RK Puram constituency. But whether this turnout of supporters in rallies will translate into votes is yet to be seen.