Lucknow: BSP chief Mayawati on Thursday described the next Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls as “extremely important” for the exploited and deprived among the “Bahujan Samaj as well as the upper-caste”, asserting that only her party government could guarantee justice, security and a life of self-respect for the oppressed and poor sections.
The assembly polls are expected early next year.
“The next Uttar Pradesh Assembly general elections are extremely important for the exploited and deprived poor among the Bahujan Samaj as well as the upper-caste society, as only the iron rule of the Ambedkarite BSP can ensure a life free from fear and corruption, and one based on justice, security and self-respect for all,” she said, according to a statement.
Targeting the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, Mayawati said they were primarily responsible for denying the interests and welfare of the Bahujan Samaj, while the BJP governments were “not far behind”.
“The Congress and the Samajwadi Party are the biggest culprits in denying the interests and welfare of the Bahujan Samaj, but the BJP governments at present are also no less responsible,” she said.
Mayawati made the remarks during a meeting of the BSP’s Uttar Pradesh state unit office-bearers, including district presidents from all 75 districts, at the party’s state headquarters at 12, Mall Avenue, here.
The meeting reviewed preparations at the booth level for the upcoming Assembly elections, candidate selection and efforts to mobilise weaker sections of society by making them aware of the strength of their votes.
Mayawati also said the BSP’s four previous governments in Uttar Pradesh had demonstrated its commitment to the rule of law and the principle of “Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay” (welfare and happiness for all).
“The actual interests of Dalits, tribals, backward classes, Muslims and other religious minorities, as well as exploited and deprived sections, labourers, farmers, small traders, women and unemployed youth, are secure only under the BSP and its government,” she said.
Mayawati said the party was working towards securing the “master key of power” through the collective strength of the Bahujan Samaj and its commitment to the slogan, “Our vote, our rule”.
She said shortcomings identified during the review meeting had been flagged for time-bound rectification and asked party functionaries to work with full commitment and dedication to realise the goal of forming a BSP government in Uttar Pradesh for the fifth time.
During the meeting, the resolve to form the government for the fifth time under the leadership of “Iron Lady” (Mayawati) with the cooperation of all sections of society, was reiterated by the cadre, according to the statement.
Referring to the Constitution framed under the leadership of B R Ambedkar, Mayawati alleged that the Congress and the Samajwadi Party had been primarily responsible for failing to implement its provisions in a manner that benefited disadvantaged sections.
She also accused the Congress, BJP and SP of favouring big industrialists and wealthy business groups at the cost of the interests of poor people, labourers and unemployed youth.
“These parties certainly talk about Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar’s Constitution and repeatedly invoke it to cover up their shortcomings, but they have largely failed to implement it properly,” the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said.
“The Bahujan Samaj has earlier faced difficult circumstances through unity and preparation. The upcoming Assembly elections must be used to further strengthen this movement by forming a government with a full majority,” she said.
Mayawati said poverty, unemployment, inflation and exploitation continued to trouble people, who were increasingly seeking solutions through political empowerment.
Blaming the “lack of credible electoral processes and responsible governance” for the country’s political, social and economic challenges, she said the BSP was founded under the Ambedkarite mission to counter the criminalisation of politics and misuse of money, muscle power and government machinery.
She urged workers to draw inspiration from Phule, Shahuji Maharaj, Narayana Guru, Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram. She also accepted the party’s request to lead the December 6 Ambedkar Mahaparinirvan Diwas programme in Lucknow, according to the statement.
