On her 69th birthday, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing it of attempting to weaken the reservation system meant for the upliftment of marginalised communities. Addressing journalists at the BSP headquarters in Lucknow on January 15, Mayawati criticised Congress for its alleged historical neglect of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
Mayawati alleged that the Congress has consistently failed to safeguard the rights of SCs, STs, and OBCs and claimed these communities are yet to receive the full benefits of reservation policies enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
“Even the SC, ST, and OBC communities have not yet received the full benefits of reservations and other legal rights. And now, the Congress party seems determined to completely abolish their reservations at the right time, a declaration they have already made,” Mayawati stated.
She accused the Congress of disrespecting Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, and other prominent leaders from marginalised communities.
Without naming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi directly, Mayawati criticised the party for engaging in what she termed “symbolic theatrics” to woo marginalised voters. She took aim at gestures such as showcasing the Constitution and wearing blue attire — symbols associated with Dr Ambedkar.
“In such a scenario, Congress leaders showcasing the Constitution at every step, wearing blue attire, and engaging in various forms of theatrics—if this is not deception and pretence towards Dalits and other marginalised communities, then what is it? People must pay attention to this,” she remarked.
Reflecting on her tenure as Chief Minister, Mayawati underscored her government’s achievements, claiming her administration implemented various welfare schemes for labourers, traders, the unemployed, women, youth, and differently abled individuals.
Addressing party workers, Mayawati emphasised the importance of strengthening the BSP to ensure electoral victories in upcoming elections in Delhi and Bihar. She expressed confidence that the party could achieve significant success if elections were conducted in a free and fair manner.
“The BSP stands as the true representative of marginalised communities, and we must unite to ensure our electoral success,” she added.
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