Mayawati Slams SP's 'Casteist Hatred' as BSP Gains Muslim and Brahmin Support
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Sunday, alleging that its "casteist and political hatred" towards the BSP is intensifying due to growing support from Muslims and Brahmins. Speaking at an event in Lucknow to commemorate the 93rd birth anniversary of BSP founder Kanshi Ram, Mayawati dismissed SP's recent advocacy for PDA (picchde, Dalit, alpsankhyak) as a "farce."
Mayawati Criticizes SP's Electoral Opportunism
Mayawati accused the SP of exploiting Dalits, OBCs, and Muslims for political gain, questioning why the party only remembers 'bahujans' and their icons during election seasons. "They neglect 'bahujans' as soon as they form a government," she asserted, highlighting a pattern of neglect post-elections. She emphasized that SP's actions could undermine Kanshi Ram's mission of uniting fragmented caste groups into a cohesive political force.
Demand for Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram
In a significant move, Mayawati called upon the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre to confer the Bharat Ratna on Kanshi Ram, crediting him for establishing an egalitarian society in line with the Constitution. "He lives in the hearts of people for his contributions," she stated, urging the government not to repeat the Congress's alleged oversight in failing to award the honor to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during its tenure.
This demand gained traction as Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, advocating for the Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram. Gandhi cited public appeals made during the Congress's Samvidhan Sammelan in Lucknow on Friday. However, Mayawati had previously criticized such Congress events as "opportunistic" in a statement on Saturday.
Allegations of Legacy Erosion by SP
Mayawati further accused the SP of erasing Kanshi Ram's legacy by renaming universities, medical institutions, and districts that were named after him during her government's tenure. She argued that this action reflects a deeper disregard for bahujan interests, contrasting it with BSP's commitment to upholding his vision.
Mayawati's Critique of Major Parties
Expanding her criticism, Mayawati claimed that Congress, SP, and BJP exist merely in name for 'bahujans,' citing historical discrepancies between their promises and actions. "There is a huge difference between what they preach and what they practice," she noted, attributing the drift of bahujans away from these parties to this hypocrisy. She reiterated BSP's dedication to social change, economic freedom, and electoral success, urging people to join the movement to become "honest and true Ambedkarites."
BSP's Path Forward
Mayawati positioned the BSP as the sole party following Babasaheb Ambedkar's path, committed to the development and welfare of the 'bahujan samaj.' She encouraged supporters to engage with BSP's initiatives to secure the "master key to power," ensuring that constitutional rights for bahujans are implemented effectively on the ground. Her speech underscored a resolve to strengthen the party's movement amid growing political tensions in Uttar Pradesh.
