LUCKNOW: BJP would have lost 2024 Lok Sabha elections if BSP had joined INDIA bloc, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi claimed Thursday while addressing a programme during a two-day visit to his constituency Rae Bareli. BSP chief Mayawati hit back, accusing Congress of double standards.
“Why isn’t Mayawati contesting elections properly? We invited her to join us (INDIA), but she didn’t. If all three parties — Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), and BSP — came together, BJP would have lost,” Gandhi said.
Mayawati responded sharply. “Congress has a malicious and casteist attitude towards BSP and its followers in states where it is strong or has its govts but talks of aligning with BSP in UP, where the party is weak. Isn’t it the dual character of Congress?” she said.
Mayawati asserted that past alliances with Congress and other parties have harmed BSP, as its base votes were transferred to them without reciprocation. She also accused Congress, BJP, and other parties of historically opposing Babasaheb Ambedkar, BSP, and Dalit-Bahujan interests. “BSP always remained at a loss,” she said.
The political debate arose after Gandhi engaged with a group of Dalit students. During the interaction, a youth acknowledged the contributions of Kanshi Ram and Mayawati in the uplift of marginalised sections. Gandhi responded by questioning Mayawati’s absence from INDIA bloc. His remarks sparked speculation as SP, a key INDIA bloc partner, has been opposed to BSP joining the alliance.
“Several questions have arisen. Was Mayawati really invited to join the alliance? If so, why did she decline? Could BSP, SP, and Congress come together in the future?” asked a political observer.
During the interaction with students, Gandhi pointed out the lack of Dalit leadership in top private companies. He asked how many of them were headed by Dalits. When a student replied “none”, he questioned, “Why not?” Another student responded: “Because we don’t have enough facilities.” Disagreeing, Gandhi said: “Dr Ambedkar had no facilities. He was alone in his efforts, yet he shook the country’s politics.”
Gandhi also engaged with party workers, urging them to strengthen their grassroots presence. He criticised BJP for diverting attention from real issues like inflation and economic disparity. His programmes in Rae Bareli will continue Friday.