Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday launched a scathing attack on both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, accusing them of engaging in “selfish politics” using the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Her remarks come amid widespread outrage following Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial comments on Ambedkar in Parliament.
“There is outrage among people over Amit Shah’s remarks on Ambedkar, but Congress has no moral high ground as it has always ignored Ambedkar. The Congress’ stand on this issue is nothing but pure deception and selfish politics,” Mayawati stated in a press conference.
The BSP chief alleged that the BJP and Congress, along with other casteist parties, are conspiring to undermine the BSP and tarnish Ambedkar’s dignity. She claimed that it was only during BSP rule that great leaders and reformers from marginalized communities, including Ambedkar, received the respect and recognition they deserved.
“In reality, great saints, gurus, and leaders born in the Bahujan Samaj, including Baba Saheb, got full respect and honor only during BSP governments, something these casteist parties cannot tolerate. Especially the Samajwadi Party (SP), which out of malice, went to the extent of renaming districts, institutions, and welfare schemes established during BSP’s tenure,” she added.
Mayawati reiterated her demand for Amit Shah to issue an apology for his remarks, warning of nationwide protests by the BSP on December 24 if he fails to do so.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Mayawati emphasized Ambedkar’s pivotal role in shaping India’s Constitution, calling him a “super-humanistic figure and a deity-like figure for Dalits and marginalized communities.” She added, “Disrespect towards such a great man deeply hurts the sentiments of millions across the country.”
The row has added a new dimension to the political discourse, with the BSP intensifying its efforts to position itself as the sole custodian of Ambedkar’s legacy. Whether this controversy will impact the political dynamics leading up to the elections remains to be seen.