BAP: Offers from BJP, Congress; will back party that won't compromise on tribal issues

JAIPUR: Rajasthan's Bharatiya Adivasi Party (BAP) has confirmed overtures from Congress and BJP for an alliance ahead of Sunday's assembly poll results and indicated it will support the party that "will not compromise" on tribal issues. Exit polls have predicted two to three seats for BAP.

"National leaders of both BJP and Congress have approached us seeking our support. I can't take their names at this moment as nothing is finalised. Once the results are out, we will sit across the table and take a call on alliances," BAP founder Rajkumar Roat said.

BTP's two MLAs, Roat and Ramprasad Dindor, broke away and formed BAP.

Roat indicated that BAP will pick a partner which finds, among things, its demand for doubling ST quota to 90% justifiable. "The party that will give us the freedom to execute and implement our promises is welcome. Otherwise, we will fight in the assembly for the rights of the tribals," said Roat. Some observers also believe that Congress and BJP have reached out to BAP in the understanding that it cannot fulfil its tribal-related promises without associating with a national party.