Lucknow: On her birthday, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati called for a major press conference at the state headquarters of the party in Lucknow. The event was attended by numerous party workers, leaders, and supporters, where Mayawati shared her views on a wide range of issues concerning the nation, the state, and the Dalit community.
Mission to Complete Baba Saheb’s Unfinished Work
Mayawati emphasized that BSP’s primary mission is to complete the unfinished work of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, whom she reveres as Baba Saheb. She said, “Our mission will not be completed by capitalists but by the contribution of the poor and needy through their blood and sweat.” Party workers raised slogans in unison, reinforcing this sentiment on Mayawati’s special day. She also paid tribute to all the great men who fought for the rights of the oppressed, saying, “On my birthday, I bow to all the great men.”
Warning to the Party Workers
In her speech, Mayawati issued a strong warning to her party members, urging them to stay vigilant and dedicated to their cause. She stated, “I warn the party people,” referring to the political challenges faced by BSP and the deceptive tactics used by rival parties to destabilize the party.
Political Rivals Targeting BSP’s Unity
Mayawati accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Samajwadi Party (SP) of resorting to various tricks to weaken BSP’s influence. She claimed that these casteist parties do not want the BSP to rise to power, which would be a threat to their political strategies. “The present governments have entangled reservation in the courts,” she stated, highlighting the failure of current political systems to support the marginalized communities.
Inadequate Benefits from Reservation Policies
Mayawati discussed the situation of the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), who, according to her, are not receiving the full benefits of reservation policies under the present government. She expressed concern that these political parties are working towards ending reservations altogether. “The present parties are bent on ending reservation,” she added.
Criticism of Congress and BJP’s Stance on Dalits
Mayawati also took a dig at Congress for its so-called “drama” of wearing blue clothes, which she dismissed as a superficial gesture. She stated, “Congress’s drama by wearing blue clothes is a sham,” and criticized their attempts to appear supportive of the Dalit cause while not doing enough for the community.
She also accused the BJP of insulting Dr. Ambedkar in Parliament. “Senior minister of BJP government insulted Baba Saheb in Parliament,” she said. Mayawati also recalled the oppression of Dalits during the Samajwadi Party (SP) government, adding that SP is resorting to tricks to attract Dalit votes.
BSP’s Commitment to Dalit Rights
Mayawati made it clear that the Dalit community should not fall for the false promises being made by Congress, BJP, and SP to secure their votes. “Congress, BJP, and SP’s tricks for Dalit votes will not succeed,” she said. She added that these parties are using tempting promises to silence the Dalit voice during elections.
Economic and Social Insecurity
Mayawati also raised concerns about the rising unemployment and inflation in the country, stating that Muslims and other minorities are feeling insecure in various matters. “Unemployment and inflation are also increasing in the country,” she noted. To resolve these problems, she asserted that Dalit society must follow the path shown by Baba Saheb.
The Path to Unity and Power
Mayawati emphasized the importance of unity within the Dalit community to achieve power. “It is very important to be united and come to power,” she remarked, urging her followers to unite for the welfare of the community. She asserted that the BSP would contest elections independently, including in the national capital of Delhi.
BSP’s Election Strategy
Mayawati assured that if there is no tampering or fraud in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), BSP is expected to perform well in the upcoming elections. “If there is no tampering and fraud in EVMs, our party will perform better,” she added.
She also expressed her concern over the provocative posters being put up during election time, calling on the Election Commission to take necessary action.
BSP’s Core Principles in Delhi
Mayawati revealed that BSP is adopting the same principle of “Sarvajan Hitaya Sarvajan Sukhaya” (Welfare of All, Happiness of All) in Delhi as it has in Uttar Pradesh. The party will be led by Akash Anand, who is heading the election campaign in the national capital.
Launch of BSP Movement’s Safarnama Part 20
Towards the end of the conference, Mayawati launched the 20th part of BSP Movement’s Safarnama, reflecting on the journey of the party and its unwavering commitment to the upliftment of the oppressed classes in the country.
Mayawati concluded her address by reaffirming BSP’s commitment to the cause of Dalits, backward classes, and the poor, vowing that the party would continue to fight for their rights in the face of opposition from all quarters.
