Social Welfare Minister Indrajit Saroj is said to know the exact statistics of the caste divide in every village of Uttar Pradesh. The figures, BSP insiders exclaim with wonder, are on his fingertips.
Saroj calculates the caste demography in every constituency and estimates how strong a BSP candidate can be. He also coordinates with BAMSEF, the organisation of committed Dalit activists Kanshi Ram established, which provided the loyal cadres when he launched the BSP in April 1984.
He is so influential in the party that he could deny an electoral nomination to a BSP candidate if BAMSEF feels s/he may not win an election. However, BAMSEF's influence in the BSP has declined in recent years after the party leadership has given tickets to people whose only worth to the BSP has been monetary.
Also see: Sensing the Muslim angst in UP | India Votes 2009
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