The compulsions of the alliance have ensured that Ms. Mayawati has to give equal space to Jat leaders. Perhaps, that is why her acolytes have to tell the crowd: “Kya Behenji Hindu nahin hain?” (Is Mayawati not a Hindu?) This was on display during the Assembly elections in 2017 when Mayawati offered 100 seats to Muslims. Social chemistryThe social chemistry at the top is yet to percolate to the ground. In Deoband, the high-caste Muslims didn’t seem to be in favour of Ms. Mayawati being projected as a prime ministerial candidate by the alliance partners.

Source: The Hindu April 19, 2019 20:15 UTC