Lucknow: In a sharp rebuttal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks on caste-based census, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday accused the Congress of indulging in “double-speak” and said the grand old party has never been a genuine well-wisher of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mayawati wrote,
“The Congress has always been unreliable when it comes to protecting the political and economic aspirations of the OBC community. What they claim publicly is often in stark contrast to what they really intend. The same is true of the NDA.”
Mayawati’s remarks came in the wake of Rahul Gandhi’s statement where he admitted it was a “mistake” on Congress’ part not to conduct a caste census while in power. He also pledged to “work at double the speed” to rectify the historical lapse in supporting OBCs.
“Not a New Realization,” Says Mayawati
Mayawati called out Gandhi’s “belated realization,” terming it politically motivated.
“Admitting that Congress failed the OBCs is not new,” she wrote. “It’s a classic example of self-serving politics where there’s something in the heart and something else on the lips.”
She compared this alleged neglect to Congress’ historic treatment of SC/ST communities, saying:
“It was Congress’ long-standing apathy and hypocrisy toward Dalits and tribals that led to the rise of BSP as a platform for self-respect and empowerment.”
“BJP’s NDA No Different”
Mayawati didn’t spare the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) either. She accused the ruling coalition of playing a double game with marginalised communities.
“The NDA’s approach to OBCs and Dalits also reeks of duplicity. They too speak one thing and do another,” she claimed.
“Crocodile Tears for Votes”
The BSP chief concluded by stating that the Congress’ newfound empathy towards backward communities was nothing but “crocodile tears” aimed at winning votes.
“Congress remembers these communities only when they are out of power. Their policies and intentions have always lacked integrity.”
With her statement, Mayawati has positioned the BSP once again as a vocal guardian of marginalised voices, while questioning the credibility of both national parties on issues of social justice and representation.
