BSP to make inroads in Jharkhand via Adivasi-Dalit combination

Jamshedpur, Jul 14 (UNI) Buoyed by the success in Uttar Pradesh with the help of Dalit-Upper cast equation, the Bahujan Samaj Party is all set for Adivasi-Dalit combination in Jharkhand to make inroads in the state.

Sources said the inclusion of tribal leader and former BJP MP Salkhan Murmu in the party revealed the party's intention.

Briefing newspersons here today, BSP State Unit President Shatrughan Kumar Shatru said Mr Murmu recently met BSP Supremo and UP Chief Minister Mayawati and joined the party. Mr Murmu, in all probability, would get the BSP ticket for the coming Jamshedpur Loksabha byelection, he added.

''The party was looking for a dynamic tribal leader in Jharkhand and Mr Murmu is the right person to lead our strategy of ST, SC, OBC and minority combination in the state. Mr Murmu will also contest the Jamshedpur Loksabha bypoll after getting green signal from Ms Mayawati,'' Mr Shatru said.

He said the people of Jharkhand were dissatisfied with both the NDA and UPA as both the alliances had ''ditched'' them and therefore, they were looking for a new equation.

He claimed that the new equation would be a power of balance in Jharkhand and the other castes would also join the new force soon.

The Adivasi-Dalit combine would grab power in Jharkhand and the result of Jamshedpur byelection would also be a surprise package, Mr Shatru added.

Mr Murmu, who was also present at the press meet, claimed that he always fought for the cause of the adivasis and was ready to join any party for the upliftment of the exploited tribals.

''Since the parties like the BJP and the Congress have failed to give due respect to the tribals and protect their interests, I was left with no other option but to join the BSP. I hope the tribal-dalit unity would open the doors for development in Jharkhand,'' he said.

The BSP would organise a motorcycle rally here on July 23, besides the party rally on July 29, to mobilise the people, Mr Murmu added.

UNI