In the run-up to the 2019 elections, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati kickstarted her campaign in Andhra Pradesh where her party is in alliance with Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena and Left parties. She stated that their coalition would get considerable majority to form the government.
Speaking at a joint press meet in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, she exuded confidence that their alliance would come to power in Andhra Pradesh and Pawan Kalyan would become the Chief Minister as people had tried and tested the national and regional parties.
She also accused the Congress of not developing United Andhra Pradesh despite being in power for so long after independence, saying that this created the sentiment for a separate state. She blamed both the BJP and Congress for not fulfilling the demand for "Special Category Status”. Both these parties have failed to fulfil the expectations of the people and there is need for a third coalition government, she said.
While appreciating Pawan Kalyan, she said, "People here are wanting a change, they are supporting him. In the elections, our coalition led by Pawan Kalyan will get absolute majority and we will form the government in Andhra Pradesh."
She added, "Our party and alliance have decided on Pawan as the CM candidate. After getting an absolute majority, Pawan Kalyan will become the CM of the state."
She said that Pawan Kalyan was inspired by Dr BR Ambedkar and Kanshiram and wants to bring about social change.
Mayawati also claimed that people want a change at the Centre as the Congress ruled for a long period but failed to deliver while the BJP failed to fulfil the promises made in 2014 and tried to divert people's attention from its failures.
She also hinted at being a contender for the Prime Minister's post, saying the situation will become clear after the election results.
"As far as my becoming the Prime Minister is concerned, the elections are going on. When the results come, the situation will become clear," she said when asked if she was a contender for the top post.
Pawan backs Mayawati for PM
Pawan Kalyan, who addressed the press along with Mayawati and other senior leaders from both the parties, said that his party wants to see the BSP chief as the PM of the country.
He said, "We want to see Behenji Mayawati as the PM of this great nation. We want her experience and administrative calibre to guide this country. We will do our best to make sure she gets all the support from both the Telugu speaking states.”
Pawan also expressed hope that Mayawati will provide Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh, if she becomes the PM.
He also said that his association with BSP was not a new one, while stating that he had been in touch with their party leaders and intellectuals for a decade.
With IANS inputs