Lucknow, July 28, 2025 – Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, accusing it of ignoring the needs of Dalit and tribal communities for decades. In a statement on Saturday, July 26, she dismissed recent remarks by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as “crocodile tears” meant to gain political mileage. The comments, made via posts on X, come amid growing political tensions in Uttar Pradesh and beyond, as Mayawati urges Dalits and tribals to reject Congress and support BSP’s mission for their upliftment. Here’s the latest on this controversy and its implications.
Mayawati’s Allegations Against Congress
On July 26, Mayawati took to X to criticize Congress for its “long-standing neglect” of Dalits and tribals, calling out Rahul Gandhi’s admission that his party failed to meet the political, economic, and reservation-related aspirations of these communities. She labeled his remarks as “self-serving politics” and accused Congress of adopting a “sad and unfortunate attitude” toward Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Mayawati pointed out that this neglect pushed these communities to form their own party, the BSP, to fight for their rights. She also criticized Congress for delaying the Bharat Ratna for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for nearly 40 years after Independence, calling it a sign of their disregard for Dalit icons.
Historical Context and Political Rivalry
Mayawati’s accusations build on her long-standing critique of Congress, which she claims has historically sidelined Dalit and tribal interests. She referenced her 2017 resignation from the Rajya Sabha over violence against Dalits in Saharanpur as an example of her commitment to these communities, inspired by Dr. Ambedkar’s resignation as Union Law Minister for similar reasons. The BSP chief also accused Congress of exploiting these communities during crises, only to ignore them afterward. This comes as BSP positions itself as a distinct alternative to both the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led INDIA bloc, which includes the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. Mayawati’s remarks highlight ongoing rivalries, especially as elections loom in several states.
Congress’s Response and Public Sentiment
Congress has not directly addressed Mayawati’s latest accusations, but party leaders have previously defended their outreach to marginalized communities, citing initiatives like the Telangana caste survey. However, posts on X show mixed public reactions, with some supporting Mayawati’s call for Dalit unity under BSP, while others view her criticisms as politically motivated to regain relevance after recent electoral setbacks. The controversy follows a separate row involving Congress leader Udit Raj’s inflammatory remarks against Mayawati, which she dismissed as Congress’s disregard for Ambedkar’s legacy. This back-and-forth underscores the tense political climate in Uttar Pradesh, where caste dynamics play a key role.
Broader Implications for Dalit Politics
Mayawati’s statements reflect her ongoing mission to consolidate Dalit and tribal support for BSP, warning against what she calls “casteist” parties like Congress and BJP. She has accused both of undermining reservation policies through sub-reservation systems in states like Haryana, Telangana, and Karnataka, which she claims weaken Dalit unity. Her focus on Ambedkar’s legacy and BSP’s achievements, like infrastructure and job initiatives during her tenure as UP Chief Minister, aims to rally voters. With BSP struggling to regain its past influence, Mayawati’s outspoken critique is a bid to reassert her party’s role as the true voice of marginalized communities, especially ahead of future polls.
What’s Next in This Political Clash?
As Mayawati intensifies her campaign against Congress, political observers expect more exchanges, especially with assembly elections on the horizon. The BSP chief has urged Dalits to vote for her party to protect their constitutional rights, warning against Congress’s “false promises.” This controversy highlights the ongoing struggle for Dalit and tribal representation, with Mayawati positioning BSP as their strongest advocate in a polarized political landscape.
