The Bahujan Samaj Party’s (BSP) grand rally in Lucknow on the occasion of Kanshi Ram’s death anniversary was a sight to behold — an enormous crowd, countless vehicles, and people from different parts of the state and country. Estimates suggested around two lakh attendees, while the party claimed five lakh. Perhaps only Mayawati’s name has previously drawn such massive gatherings in Lucknow. After nearly four years, she was once again in front of her supporters — addressing them in her familiar style: a solitary chair at the centre of the stage, a light-coloured suit, a written speech, and a sea of blue-clad supporters stretching as far as the eye could see.

There were three major takeaways from this rally. First, in the very beginning of her long speech, while attacking the Samajwadi Part

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