– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: Congress leader and former MP Dr. Udit Raj, has launched a sharp critique of BSP chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mayawati, accusing her of siding with RSS and BJP while betraying the interests of Dalits.
Speaking at a press conference at the Congress headquarters, Udit Raj, who also serves as Chairman of Unorganised Workers’ Congress, accused Mayawati of playing into the hands of BJP-RSS combine on key issues concerning Dalits and national policies. He further alleged that Mayawati was misleading people by propagating lies about the Congress, particularly in connection with Dalit icon Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Raj criticized Mayawati for allegedly fielding several Muslim candidates in the 2024 general elections, a move that he claims ultimately helped the BJP in UP by splitting the opposition vote. While none of the BSP’s candidates won, they contributed to the defeat of 14 candidates from INDIA alliance, weakening the opposition’s chances in the state.
The Congress leader went on to accuse Mayawati of exploiting Dalit sentiments and using Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy for personal political gain. He pointed out that Mayawati has consistently spread false claims that the Congress had played a role in Dr. Ambedkar’s electoral defeat.
In a scathing attack, Raj stated that Mayawati’s tenure as UP Chief Minister saw a weakening of laws designed to protect Dalits, specifically the Prevention of Atrocities Against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act. He claimed that, under her administration, the law’s enforcement faltered, leaving Dalits vulnerable.
He also criticized Mayawati for failing to enforce promotion reservations for Dalits in government jobs during her time as Chief Minister, further accusing her of demoting 1.5 lakh Dalit employees who had been promoted, without taking any corrective action.
Raj maintained that the Congress has always taken a considerate stance towards the BSP, allowing it to grow as a political force. He argued that without the Congress’s leniency, the BSP would have been politically marginalized long ago.
Furthermore, he accused Mayawati of neglecting the implementation of Forest Protection Act during her regime.
Raj emphasized that Rahul Gandhi, through his statements in the United States, had demonstrated a deep concern for the plight of Dalits and the marginalized.
