New Delhi, June 29: Retired IPS officer and president of the All India People’s Front (AIPF), S.R. Darapuri, has openly criticized the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati for her perceived support of the ruling BJP.
In a recent statement, Darapuri, a Dalit himself, condemned Mayawati’s stance, accusing her of aligning with what he termed the “Racist Hindutva BJP,” which he believes poses a significant threat to Indian democracy. He argued that Mayawati’s policies have inadvertently strengthened the BJP, pointing out that the BSP’s participation in elections has led to the opposition losing 16 seats to the BJP in Uttar Pradesh alone.
Darapuri stressed the ongoing ideological conflict, asserting that the RSS and BJP have historically never accepted the core principles of the Indian Constitution, which include justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity. He criticized Mayawati for equating the opposition with the ruling party, suggesting that this perspective overlooks the current political crisis and ultimately benefits the BJP.
Reflecting on historical struggles, Darapuri recalled that during Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s time, the RSS was not part of mainstream politics. He emphasized that modern followers of Ambedkar must prevent the RSS’s vision of a “racist India” from coming to fruition.
Darapuri also criticized Mayawati’s governance from 2007 to 2012, specifically her handling of the policy of reservation in promotions. He claimed that despite a Supreme Court order, Mayawati’s government failed to conduct necessary surveys on backwardness and representation, leading to the policy’s eventual rejection by both the High Court and the Supreme Court.
Appealing to Dalits, the exploited, and the working class, Darapuri urged all Ambedkarites to maintain a critical stance towards opportunistic political policies and remain independent. He warned that without unity against the BJP, the Dalit movement in Uttar Pradesh could fragment, mirroring the division seen in Maharashtra.
Darapuri also criticized the practice of appointing successors within political movements, a tradition he said began with Kanshi Ram naming Mayawati as his successor. He pointed out that Mayawati has continued this trend by designating her nephew, Akash Anand, as her successor, which he views as anti-democratic.
Darapuri’s statements underscore the need for a united front among Ambedkarite forces to resist what he perceives as the growing influence of the BJP and the dilution of Dr. Ambedkar’s vision.
