Mayawati Condemns Opposition's 'Opportunistic Fashion' in Honoring Kanshi Ram
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday launched a sharp critique against opposition parties, labeling their tributes to Dalit icon Kanshi Ram as an "opportunistic fashion" driven by "narrow political objectives and electoral interests." Her remarks targeted the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP), coming just a day after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi praised Kanshi Ram's enduring relevance in Indian politics during a Lucknow event.
Mayawati's Statement on Social Media
In a detailed statement posted on her X account, Mayawati urged Bahujan voters to exercise caution, advising them to "listen to everyone but not let the power of their unity and votes go into the hands of 'vote ke saudagar' (people who trade in votes)." She emphasized that this vigilance would serve as the true tribute to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram, underscoring the importance of political autonomy for marginalized communities.
Historical Context and Constitutional Critique
Mayawati reflected on the historical necessity of the BSP's formation, stating, "Kanshi Ramji would not have felt the need to form BSP if the implementation of the welfare and egalitarian objectives of the Constitution was done with the right intent and policies." She highlighted ongoing social, economic, and political inequalities faced by crores of Bahujans, attributing these challenges to systemic failures that perpetuate poverty, unemployment, and backwardness.
Concerns Over Reservation and Casteist Politics
Expressing deep concern, Mayawati warned against "narrow-minded politics replete with casteist hatred," arguing that efforts to weaken constitutional reservation provisions would exacerbate the exploitation of Bahujans. This critique comes amid SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's announcement to celebrate PDA Diwas across every Uttar Pradesh district on March 15, Kanshi Ram's birth anniversary. PDA, representing "Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak (backwards, Dalits and religious minorities)," is a key vote bank the SP aims to mobilize, having previously drawn some of BSP's core Jatav voters in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections through an alliance with Congress.
Allegations of Hypocrisy and Political Opportunism
Mayawati pointed to specific instances of what she termed opposition hypocrisy, noting that Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was not awarded the Bharat Ratna during his lifetime—it was conferred posthumously in 1990—and that neither Congress nor SP governments declared a day of mourning upon Kanshi Ram's death. She further questioned their commitment by citing their lack of support for the reservation-in-promotions bill, even tearing it in Parliament, asking, "Are these the traits of respect towards Bahujans and their great leaders?"
Call to Action for BSP Supporters
In a direct appeal, Mayawati challenged the trustworthiness of political parties, asking, "Can Bahujans trust political parties and their opportunist leaders who always made it difficult for Babasaheb and Kanshi Ramji to unite Bahujans and make them into a political power to get the master key to power?" She called on her party workers and supporters to ensure the success of BSP's program commemorating Kanshi Ram's birth anniversary on Sunday, reinforcing the party's dedication to its foundational principles.
