Two Times BSP Won 6 Seats, Both Times Merged With Congress
Two times BSP won 6 seats, both times merged with the Congress, in 22 years and 5 assembly elections: Rajasthan’s state politics
Amid the political crisis in the state, the issue of the merger of Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs with Congress is in the news. The party, considering the merger as unconstitutional, issued a whip to vote against Congress in the House. Questioning the merger, the BJP has announced a fresh petition in the High Court.
The BSP’s entry was first contested in the 1998 election. Two MLAs won for the first time. In 22 years, the Bahujan Samaj Party got six seats twice and it was merged with Congress both times. Coincidentally, both times CM Ashok Gehlot remained. In the current situation, the importance of six BSP MLAs is very important.
Congress has 107 MLAs, 19 of the rebels. If there is a crisis on the membership of BSP MLAs, then there will be an increased danger for the government.
BSP’s journey and controversy in Rajasthan politics
The year 1998: BSP’s account opened in Rajasthan for the first time. Congress got 150, BJP got 33 seats. No one needed two BSP MLAs.
The year 2003: BJP wins the majority by winning 120 seats. Congress got 56 seats. The BSP then brought two seats. However, both parties were not required at that time.
The year 2008: BSP emerged as King Maker. Six MLAs won. Congress got 96 seats and BJP 78 seats. CM Ashok Gehlot merged the BSP MLAs.
The year 2013: BJP with an overwhelming majority with 163 seats. The Congress was reduced to 21 seats. Three BSP MLAs won. But, the ruling party probably did not need them. There was definitely a role in strengthening the opposition. Because Congress could get very few seats.
The year 2018: Then Bahujan Samaj Party won six MLAs. Congress got 100 seats and BJP 73 seats. To further strengthen the majority, Gehlot once again repeated 2008 and the six BSP MLAs were merged on 16 September 2019.
