Has Mayawati Become the 'Unofficial Spokesperson of BJP'?

New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) Congress leader Udit Raj has recently unleashed a fierce critique against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President Mayawati, claiming she has essentially become the ‘unofficial spokesperson’ for the BJP.

This statement follows Mayawati's allegations that both the BJP and Congress are manipulating the issue of a caste-based census for political gain. In a series of posts on X, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh argued that the ‘anti-Bahujan stance’ of these national parties continues to deny Other Backward Classes (OBCs) their rightful benefits.

Mayawati stated, “The BJP and Congress are racing to take credit for the caste census issue, trying to position themselves as champions of OBCs. Their history, however, is marked by ongoing oppression and exclusion of Bahujan communities.”

She further claimed that the political backing for OBCs from these parties stems from electoral motivations rather than genuine concern. “OBCs today are increasingly aware of their rights. The support they seemingly receive from other parties is merely a result of electoral necessities. True welfare for OBCs lies solely with the BSP,” she emphasized. Mayawati urged the Bahujan community to politically empower themselves, stating: “It’s time to give real meaning to the slogan, ‘Vote hamara, raj tumhara nahi chalega’ (Our vote, your rule — this won’t work).”

In response, Udit Raj remarked to IANS: “This criticism is coming from a person without shame. It would have been wiser for Mayawati to stay quiet. She served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh four times; if she genuinely cared for OBCs, she would have conducted a caste census during her tenure, as Tejashwi Yadav did in Bihar or the surveys in Telangana and Karnataka. What has she accomplished? Her focus is solely on attacking Congress and defending BJP. She has clearly become the unofficial spokesperson for the BJP.”

Udit Raj also addressed the need for a caste census among Muslims, asserting: “Caste undoubtedly exists within the Muslim community. The Mandal Commission included Muslim castes, and if that same approach is followed now, they should also be included in the caste census. Many castes categorized as OBC under the Mandal framework represent a significant Muslim population.”

The Congress leader then reacted to comments made by party MP Shashi Tharoor, who mentioned he reached Thiruvananthapuram just in time to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite delays at Delhi airport. Udit Raj humorously noted: “PM Modi often claims the Opposition criticizes him and that Congress leaders harbor disdain for him. But look at Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and (Union Minister Suresh) Gopi from Kerala. Tharoor’s dedication shines through; he hurried to greet the Prime Minister despite challenges, even more so than some BJP MPs.”