New Delhi: BSP chief Mayawati on Tuesday promised to work for a separate state comprising districts of western Uttar Pradesh and fulfil the longstanding demand of setting up a bench of the Allahabad High Court in Meerut, if voted to power at the Centre. At an election rally endorsing her party's candidate for the Meerut Lok Sabha constituency, BSP leader Mayawati slammed the Congress, BJP, and Samajwadi Party (SP), particularly regarding reservation policies.
Mayawati accused the SP of obstructing the allocation of quota benefits to individuals from SC/ST communities, implying a lack of commitment to their welfare, reported PTI.
She also said, that her party, if voted to power, would work to fulfil the demands and address problems of the region. "We will take positive steps with regards to your longstanding demand of an Allahabad High Court bench here in Meerut like that in Lucknow," she said.
Mayawati claimed that the central government has neglected the demand for a separate state in western Uttar Pradesh, stating, "The central government has not been paying attention to it but when we come to power at the Centre, we will take positive steps in this regard".
She recalled her government's efforts in Uttar Pradesh, where a resolution for a separate state was passed and forwarded to the central government, emphasising the BSP's longstanding support for the region's development. Alleging a lack of action from the central government, Mayawati assured the electorate that upon assuming power, her party would prioritise the establishment of a separate state in western UP.
Mayawati Slams Samajwadi Party
The former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh alleged that the quota facility meant for the Dalits, adivasis (STs) and OBCs in government jobs has not been filled up in the country for years and the quota in promotions for the SCs/STs has also been made ineffective.
She targeted the Samajwadi Party (SP), recalling their previous government's decision to abolish reservation in promotions during their tenure in Uttar Pradesh. She urged members of SCs/STs to reconsider supporting the SP, saying, "Will the members of these sections give even a single vote to them and waste it on a party which is bent upon finishing their reservation. The SP does not want SC/ST people to get full benefits of reservation", she said.
Mayawati further alleged that SP's MPs tore apart an amendment bill for reservation in promotions when it was presented in the Rajya Sabha, questioning their commitment to the welfare of Dalits and the exploited class. She criticised the SP government for renaming districts, parks, and universities that were established by the BSP government in honor of great individuals from these marginalised communities.
Additionally, she accused both the Congress and BJP of failing to prioritise the real development and upliftment of the poor, Dalits, Adivasis, backward classes, Muslims, and other religious minorities. She also urged voters to prevent the Congress, BJP, and their allies from assuming power in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, citing their past implementation of wrong policies and working styles.
She cautioned against the alleged use of divisive tactics, referred to as "saam, daam, dand, bhed," employed by these parties to gain power. In a departure from previous elections where her party fielded Muslim candidates, Mayawati highlighted that this time they have nominated Devvrat Tyagi as their candidate from Meerut, seeking support for his candidacy, as per PTI.
In the electoral arena of Meerut, the BJP has nominated Arun Govil as its candidate, while Sunita Verma represents the SP, and Devvrat Kumar Tyagi is the candidate fielded by the BSP. Mayawati, addressing voters in Aligarh after being delayed due to adverse weather conditions, highlighted the dissatisfaction among constituents towards the incumbent BJP MP from Aligarh, Satish Gautam, despite previous successes.
She emphasised the importance of providing an alternative to the public, particularly mentioning the Brahmin community candidate, who stands with the public during their happiness and sorrows.
Mayawati highlighted the broad support for BSP's Aligarh candidate, Hitendra Upadhyay, noting endorsement from not only Brahmins but also individuals from diverse sections of society, including the Muslim community, who recommended his candidacy in Lucknow.
Additionally, she urged for the success of Hathras Lok Sabha seat candidate Hem Babu, hailing from the Dhangar community, during the Aligarh meeting. Regarding the selection of a Jat candidate from Mathura, Mayawati said the people of the constituency wanted that an educated local person should be their candidate, and not an outsider, so the party has made Suresh Singh the candidate from Mathura.
In the Aligarh constituency, 14 candidates are contesting, including Satish Kumar Gautam from the BJP, Bijendra Singh from the SP, and Hitendra Kumar Upadhyay representing the BSP.
The second phase of voting, scheduled for April 26, will encompass eight parliamentary constituencies, namely Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautambuddh Nagar, Bulandshahr (SC), Aligarh, and Mathura. Vote counting is slated for June 4.