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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2 (2026)
The changing dynamics of BSP in India's fourth party system: Analysing a decade of political shifts (2014-2024)
Authors
Divya Kumari
Abstract
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has played a crucial role in the
evolution of India's party system, particularly within the context of the
country's fourth party system. Emerging as a powerful political force under the
leadership of Kanshiram, The BSP sought to offer a new social identity for
Dalits and marginalized castes, empowering these communities with an
alternative sense of belonging and representation and offering them a platform
to assert their political power. This political assertion challenged the
dominance of upper-caste elites, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and
Bihar, contributing to a more inclusive and representative democratic process.
The rise of BSP culminated in the leadership of Mayawati, who made history as
the first Dalit woman to complete a full term as Chief Minister of Uttar
Pradesh. However, since 2012, BSP has faced a continuous decline both
electorally and organizationally. This decline coincided with the resurgence of
the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which, despite its Brahminical outlook, has
successfully mobilized Dalit and backward castes, groups once championed by
Kanshiram and the BSP. This shift raises critical questions about BJP's
strategies to broaden its social base, the dynamics of electoral mobilization,
and the evolving political landscape in India. The changing fortunes of BSP in
the fourth party system thus offer a rich avenue for exploring the intersection
of caste politics, party strategy, and social churning in contemporary India.
This paper aims to address key questions surrounding the evolving trajectory of
the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). It is structured into three distinct parts: the
first explores the rise and evolution of BSP as a significant political force;
the second analyses the party’s decline post-2012; and the final part examines
the impact of this decline on marginalized groups, particularly Dalits and
women, in Uttar Pradesh. The paper concludes by reflecting on the broader
implications of BSP’s shifting dynamics for the state’s political landscape.
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Pages:80-83
How to cite this article:
Divya Kumari "The changing dynamics of BSP in India's fourth party system: Analysing a decade of political shifts (2014-2024)". International Journal of Sociology and Political Science, Vol 8, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 80-83
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