The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has officially declared Muslim candidate Athar Jamal Lari as their contender for the parliamentary constituency of Varanasi, potentially rattling the 'India' alliance. As 'India' alliance's candidate Ajay Rai sets his hopes on the support of over 300,000 Muslim voters in the Varanasi Lok Sabha election, the introduction of a BSP Muslim candidate is expected to make significant inroads into the Muslim vote bank.
In an exclusive conversation with 'Aaj Tak,' BSP’s official candidate from Varanasi, Athar Jamal Lari, has leveled serious allegations against the BJP government, following the controversial death of mafia don Mukhtar Ansari, and advised Congress leader Ajay Rai.
Athar Jamal Lari plans to raise issues of social justice, caste census, poverty, backwardness, Dalit oppression, and minority injustices. Criticizing the BJP for empty promises, he emphasizes that the concerns of farmers and weavers in Varanasi are of the utmost importance, with the condition of local weavers being particularly dire.
Ajay Rai, Lend Me Your Support: BSP Candidate
When questioned about his direct electoral competition, Lari stated that his main battle is against PM Modi, suggesting that Ajay Rai, whose bail he predicts will be confiscated, should support him instead.
In response to questions about Muslim voter support, the BSP candidate referenced the disillusionment of Muslim voters in the 2004 Varanasi elections, asserting that today’s voters recognize him, Athar Jamal Lari, as the real fighter. With support from all societal segments, including the forward and backward castes and Dalits, he is confident in his campaign.
Countering speculations of joining BSP for a ticket after leaving the Samajwadi Party, Lari clarifies that a significant reason for his shift is Mukhtar Ansari's death in prison, an incident he believes was overlooked despite Ansari's alerts about being poisoned.
Lari is open about discussing these issues publicly and acknowledges his prior candidacy and leadership roles in Mukhtar Ansari's party.
