Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has called on the Dalit community to refrain from supporting the Congress and BJP in the upcoming elections, accusing both parties of neglecting the interests of Dalits. In a strong appeal made via a post on X (formerly Twitter), the BSP leader urged Dalits to vote in favor of her party, which she claims is committed to protecting their rights and promoting their welfare.
Referring to the Congress’s performance during the Haryana Assembly elections, Mayawati alleged a pattern of “continuous neglect and contempt” for the Dalit community, stating that the party’s attitude toward reservation policies remains unfavorable. “When the Congress has not set things right now, what can be expected in the future?” she questioned, emphasizing that Dalit voters should not “waste” their votes on either Congress or BJP.
She further criticized both parties for historically opposing reservation policies, accusing Congress leaders of being against affirmative action and suggesting that they may eventually seek to dismantle it.
Mayawati urged Dalits to vote “unanimously” for the BSP, the party she claims has consistently championed their constitutional rights and worked to empower the community.
In a separate statement, she extended her appeal to Dalits in Jammu and Kashmir, urging them not to be swayed by the “false promises and allurements” of Congress, BJP, or any other alliances, and instead consider the anti-Dalit history of these parties before casting their vote.
With assembly elections nearing in both Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, Mayawati’s comments come at a critical time. Haryana goes to the polls on October 5, with results to be announced on October 8, while Jammu and Kashmir is holding its elections in three phases, with the final phase of voting scheduled for October 1.
(With inputs from PTI)