Why Is Mayawati Criticizing Congress and BJP for OBC Neglect?

Synopsis
In a striking address, Mayawati confronts the Congress and BJP over their neglect of OBC communities, asserting that their policies have kept these groups from development. She highlights the importance of a caste census and urges the Bahujan communities to become self-reliant, emphasizing the need for genuine representation.
Key Takeaways
- Mayawati criticizes Congress and BJP for neglecting OBC communities.
- The caste census is now being conducted, a move she views as necessary.
- She emphasizes the importance of self-reliance among Bahujan communities.
- Awareness among the OBC community is growing, thanks to efforts by Dr. Ambedkar and the BSP.
- Political parties must genuinely represent the interests of marginalized communities.
Lucknow, May 2 (NationPress) - The National President of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Mayawati, has launched a fierce critique against both the Congress and the BJP, claiming that their vague and disingenuous positions regarding the Bahujan and OBC communities have denied these groups their rightful share in national progress.
Mayawati stated, "If the motives and policies of the Congress and BJP were genuinely transparent and authentic concerning the Bahujan Samaj, the OBCs would now be equal partners in the development journey," in a post on X while discussing the caste census.
She condemned the political theatrics surrounding the caste census, remarking, "After long opposing it, the Central government has finally decided to include a caste census with the national census. Both the BJP and the Congress are now eager to claim credit and portray themselves as advocates for OBCs. However, the truth is that their anti-Bahujan perspective has kept these communities in a state of backwardness, exploitation, and marginalization."
Mayawati further asserted, "If the BJP and Congress had a sincere approach, the vision of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar for equality, dignity, and self-respect would already be evident in our society."
She noted that due to the relentless efforts of Dr. Ambedkar and the BSP, awareness among the OBC community has significantly increased.
"Today, similar to Dalits, OBCs are also realizing their rights. This is why these political parties, motivated by electoral ambitions and political pressures, are now masquerading as their benefactors. It is evident that the genuine interests of the OBC community are served only by the BSP."
She urged the Bahujan communities to refrain from depending on the BJP and Congress for their advancement, cautioning that a lack of vigilance at this juncture could be harmful.
"It is time to become self-reliant. The slogan 'Our vote, their rule' needs to be revised and given real significance. Any negligence or trust in these traditional parties could jeopardize our cause," she remarked.
Previously, while welcoming the Centre’s decision to include caste data in the forthcoming national census, the BSP chief stated it was a necessary yet long-overdue initiative.