To add to this, Mayawati enforced a strict regulation of discipline, focus and dedication to the party’s ideals and goals, which ran through the rank and file with unwavering determination. It was seen from rally to rally, from Sitapur to Barabanki — the crowds did not come to hear stirring speeches but to be reassured their leader was there to take care of them and bring an end to the enduring injustices and callousness.

Her pluck and resolve to achieve her goals gave her a sheen of ruthlessness as she cold-shouldered prospective allies, rejected their overtures, ridiculed the doomsdayers, even scorned the media. So it was, with a fleeting smile that today she mocked the media: “I know you were upset I did not meet you during the campaign but I noticed that you had already run ahead with your conclusions, so I thought why disturb you?”. She clearly enjoyed the ripple in the audience. “I had always said the real survey would come on counting day. I am proved right. It is also time for you to introspect,” she added.

Clearly savouring her victory, Mayawati magnanimously introduced and praised her trusted team as the “flagbearers of the BSP’s political strategy who successfully won over the Brahmins, Muslims and OBCs.” But she swiftly underlined her primacy: “They carried out my guidelines which I had prescribed for the party.” The aides looked on gratefully.

Is Maya’s public abrasiveness more arrogance rather than radicalism? Perhaps not, as this election has revealed, the people have voted for her tough style for good governance, her iron-hand over the administration, her fierce insistence on good law and order.

... contd.