Kolkata: Bahujan Samaj Party supremo and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati was in Kolkata on Tuesday to hold her first and only election rally in West Bengal.
Though her party has fielded candidates in all 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the BSP chief didn't say a word against the ruling party, the Left Front, clearly keeping her Third Front option open in the race to the country's top job.
What she said at the rally was pretty much routine. It was what she didn't say that was significant. For 30 minutes, standing in the heart of Communist Kolkata, Mayawati slammed the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and their allies, but said not a word against the Left.
"In the state and in the Centre, this time you should not let the Congress or the BJP or its allies come to power at any cost," said Mayawati.
For the Left Front, Mayawati's omission signals that the Third Front option is open.
"She is keeping her options open, so she is not criticising the Left Front constituents here in West Bengal," said Left Front chairman Biman Bose.
BSP supporters know their party may not make a dent in Bengal but it is Delhi they are looking at.
"I believe Mayawati will be Prime Minister. Given her talent and spirit, she is a sure contender for the prime minister's seat," said BSP supporter Harakumar Mirdha.
In the Assembly elections of 2006, out of 294 seats, the BSP had fielded 128 candidates and all 128 lost their deposits. This time, they have fielded candidates in all 42 and their prospects may not be bright. But those gathered in Mayawati's rally couldn't care. They know their leader is in the running for the top job and they could be in the winning side.