Pune: Former UP CM Mayawati Slams Maharashtra Government for ‘Divide and Rule’ on Reservations
Pune, 18 November 2024: For the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidates contesting in the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP National President Kumari Mayawati visited Yerawada in Pune yesterday. During the meeting, Mayawati criticized the Mahayut, expressing her dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision regarding reservations. She also condemned the Maharashtra government for implementing a “divide and rule” policy among castes for their gain.
Key leaders present at the meeting included Vadgaonsheri BSP candidate Dr Hulgesh Chalwadi, Akash Anand, Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Gautam, Narmada Prasad Ahirwar, Sunil Dongare, Kaluram Chaudhary, Sudeep Gaikwad, Dilip Kusale, and Mohammad Shafi.
Mayawati stated, “The Bahujan Samaj Party does not agree with the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the classification and exclusion of the ‘creamy layer’ from reservations. The Maharashtra State Government has begun implementing the decision on classification in reservations by adopting a ‘divide and rule’ policy among castes for their benefit.” She also declared that the BSP aims to get more candidates elected in Maharashtra, and the party’s role will be to support the party that forms the government as a ‘balancing power’ to ensure justice for the citizens.
Mayawati emphasized that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, granted legal rights for the upliftment of Dalits, Tribals, and OBCs. She accused all political parties of attempting to undermine these rights and called for resistance against such efforts. Mayawati stated that the BSP would support any party forming the government to ensure justice for voters if it does not secure enough seats. She also highlighted that BSP candidates, despite forming alliances, have struggled to gain support from other communities, leading the party to contest elections independently. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of the BSP’s role in securing OBC reservations and demanded full justice for these communities.
