Selfless 'blue' force of BSP

KANPUR: Two colours were prominent in the security ring of BSP rally- khaki, the official security cordon provided by district administration, and blue, the colour of Bahujan Volunteer Force (BVF).
BVF is the security wing of BSP that is present during BSP rallies organised anywhere in country to maintain discipline and order. Made up of BSP volunteers, both men and women, this force has all the technicalities of a security force.The members wear uniforms with the logo of BVF emblazoned on them and have star and stripes pinned on their shoulders as per their rank.
Each Sunday they are trained in a military style at various BSP offices across the country. Said Rajesh, hailing from Patna and a recent recruit of BVF: "I have learned to salute, to drill and l will soon learn how to handle a gun also." He added: "I am a farmer but I joined the party a few months back and then became a member of the BVF."
In this semi-illiterate force, no one is sure what is the date of birth of the force. Subedar Sankhwar, a three-starred officer of the force, a zonal incharge of the party and who looked well informed of the lot said: "I think this force was formed by Babasaheb Ambedkar himself."
But, this security force has a serious lament: The force is not paid. Said Pramod Sachan, another member: "Whenever a BSP rally is organised in any part of the country, we take part in the rally but at our own expense. This is very taxing for us as our resources are very meagre."
They are looking forward to their commander-in-chief Mayawati to grant them emoluments and other perks of a security force. "We are dedicated workers of the party and therefore Behenji should pay us a salary and other perks for our loyalty and pain we take on our part to maintain security during a meet," added Sachan.