Mayawati Condemns Congress and SP for 'Chameleon-Like' Behavior on Community Welfare
In a sharp critique delivered on Friday, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati accused the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP) of exhibiting double standards regarding the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Muslims. She urged both parties to accept the proposals outlined in the Women's Reservation Bill specifically tailored for these marginalized communities.
Historical Failures and Political Hypocrisy Exposed
Through a detailed post on the social media platform X, Mayawati likened the Congress and SP to chameleons, accusing them of shifting their positions based on political convenience. She emphasized that the Congress, despite now advocating for these categories in women's reservation, failed to take any concrete initiatives during its tenure in government to fulfill reservation quotas across various sectors.
"The Congress never implemented the 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs and education as recommended by the Mandal Commission report," Mayawati stated. "It was eventually enforced under the government of former Prime Minister VP Singh, with significant efforts from the BSP."
Support for Delimitation Based on 2011 Census
Mayawati expressed her support for the government's decision to base the delimitation exercise on the 2011 Census data. This process aims to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, with 33% of these total seats reserved for women. She argued that if the Congress were in power currently, it would have adopted a similar approach to expedite delimitation.
"Only if delimitation has to be implemented quickly then it has to be done on the basis of 2011 Census," the former Chief Minister remarked. "No party in the country has shown genuine seriousness about the interests and welfare of reserved and Muslim communities."
Context of Criticism and Future Implications
Her comments were a direct response to the Congress and SP questioning the Modi government's intentions behind the move, particularly regarding how many women from SC, ST, OBC, and Muslim communities would benefit. Mayawati reiterated that these communities must remain vigilant and not be misled by political rhetoric, emphasizing the need for self-reliance and strength within their societies.
While welcoming the Women's Reservation Bill, Mayawati has advocated for separate quotas for reserved categories. She called on Congress, SP, and other parties to accept the current provisions of the bill, suggesting that further advancements for these communities could be pursued at a more opportune time in the future.
Specific Allegations Against SP in Uttar Pradesh
Highlighting regional issues, Mayawati pointed out that the SP government in Uttar Pradesh had shelved the report of the Backward Classes Commission in July 1994, which recommended extending OBC benefits to backward Muslims in the state. "It was the BSP government that implemented this report on June 3, 1995," she noted, accusing the SP of now changing its stance for political gains by discussing separate reservations for women from these communities.
Mayawati concluded by urging all parties to rise above partisan politics to support the Women's Reservation Bill, asserting that "it is always better to get something at least than nothing at all." She warned the public to be cautious of parties that act differently when in power versus when they are in opposition, reinforcing her call for unwavering commitment to the welfare of SCs, STs, OBCs, and Muslims.
