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Swami Prasad Maurya, the chief of Rashtriya Shoshit Samaj Party (RSSP), is poised to re-enter the electoral fray in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024. Amidst swirling speculations, it is rumored that Maurya may contest from the Kushinagar Lok Sabha seat under the banner of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
Sources suggest that despite the looming deadline for nominations, BSP has deferred the selection of its candidate for the Kushinagar Lok Sabha constituency. The party’s silence on the matter has fueled anticipation of a significant announcement, potentially involving Maurya’s candidature.
While BSP is contesting on all 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, the allocation of candidates remains dynamic, particularly in constituencies like Deoria and Kushinagar. The decision-making process awaits the outcome of ongoing discussions with Swami Prasad Maurya, overseen by divisional coordinators before BSP chief Mayawati gives her final approval. Nominations for the Kushinagar Lok Sabha seat are set to commence on May 7.
Swami Prasad Maurya’s political journey has been marked by shifts in allegiance and controversy. He began his political career in the 1980s with Lok Dal before holding various positions within Janata Dal and eventually joining BSP in 1996. Serving as a minister in the BSP-BJP coalition government in 1997, Maurya later held prominent roles within BSP, including Leader of Opposition and ministerial positions.
In 2016, Maurya parted ways with BSP, forming Loktantrik Bahujan Manch, and subsequently joining BJP before becoming a minister in the Yogi government. However, he resigned from BJP and his ministerial post in January 2022. Despite a brief stint with Akhilesh Yadav’s SP before the 2022 elections, Maurya eventually assumed the role of National President of RSSP.
While BSP state president Vishwanath Pal acknowledged Maurya’s leadership qualities, he affirmed that the final decision regarding Maurya’s candidacy rests with Mayawati.
