Mayawati Criticizes BJP, Congress Over Reservation at Agra Rally

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President Mayawati slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress over reservation at an election gathering in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls on May 7. Mayawati accused both parties of making "tall claims" on reservation but not wanting its benefits to reach the intended groups.

Why this matters: The controversy over reservation policies has significant implications for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, as it may influence the voting decisions of marginalized communities. Moreover, the debate highlights the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality in India, which is a pressing concern for the country's democratic fabric.

"A lot of things are being said about reservations. Both Congress and BJP are making tall claims on the issue of quota for the SC/ST and OBC sections. But both are against it and do not want its full benefit to reach these sections," Mayawati stated at the rally. She blamed the BJP, Congress, and Samajwadi Party for making reservations in government job promotions "ineffective".

The BSP leader pointed out that the majority of work is being handed over to the private sector, where there is no provision of reservation, resulting in little benefit of quotas reaching the intended groups. She accused the Congress and BJP of colluding to prevent the passage of a bill for reservation in promotions.

Mayawati sought support for BSP candidates in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, and Hathras, highlighting her party's representation of candidates from various castes. She also slammed the BJP for seeking votes over free food grains being distributed by the government.

"I want to tell the poor that the free ration that is being distributed has not come from the BJP or Narendra Modi ji's pocket, it has come from the taxes that you have paid. It is from your tax. It is not any kind of favour either given by the BJP or Modi ji," Mayawati emphasized.

The BSP supremo promised that if her party forms the government at the center, they will do "solid work on the ground" and stop the "oppression" of Muslims being carried out in the name of religion. BSP national coordinator Akash Anand rejected the opposition's claim of the BSP being a "B-team" of the BJP, asserting that only the BSP can "stop" the ruling party.

The BSP has decided to contest the Lok Sabha elections solo, as they did not gain any vote-share in the past from any alliance. Anand expressed confidence in the BSP's candidates, stating, "We feel that the candidates that we have fielded, will be apt to work in that particular constituency." The party has fielded the highest number of Muslim candidates in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming polls.

Key Takeaways

• Mayawati accuses BJP and Congress of deceiving Dalits over reservations.
• Reservation controversy may influence voting decisions of marginalized communities.
• BSP leader blames parties for making reservations in government job promotions "ineffective".
• Mayawati promises "solid work on the ground" and stopping Muslim oppression if BSP forms government.
• BSP to contest Lok Sabha elections solo, fields highest number of Muslim candidates in UP.