Ahead of the upcoming Haryana assembly elections, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has urged Dalit leaders to break away from the Congress and other “casteist parties.” In a statement on Monday, Mayawati encouraged Dalit leaders to follow the path of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and distance themselves from parties that marginalize them.
Mayawati’s comments come as the BSP and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) are positioning themselves as a pro-Dalit alternative in Haryana. In a series of posts on X, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister accused the Congress and other parties of using Dalit leaders only in difficult times, only to push them aside once their agenda is fulfilled.
She stated, “The Congress and other casteist parties remember Dalits during their bad days and appoint them to key positions temporarily. But when things improve, these leaders are sidelined, as is being witnessed in Haryana.”
Mayawati urged Dalit leaders to take inspiration from Dr. Ambedkar, calling on them to cut ties with such parties. She drew parallels to her own resignation from the Rajya Sabha in 2017, highlighting her stand against violence towards Dalits in Saharanpur.
She also targeted the Congress, accusing the party of being historically opposed to reservations for Dalits and backward communities. Mayawati referenced Rahul Gandhi’s alleged remarks about abolishing reservations during his visit abroad, warning voters to be cautious of “anti-reservation” and “anti-SC, ST, OBC” parties.
Haryana’s 90-member Assembly elections are set for October 5, with results expected on October 8.
