Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati launched a fierce attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Thursday, accusing it of exploiting Dalits for political gains while promoting tension and violence in the name of social justice.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mayawati criticized SP’s political conduct, stating,
“Like other parties, SP too is creating an environment of tension and violence by putting forward people of the party, especially Dalits. Its statements, allegations, and activities clearly reflect politics driven by narrow selfishness.”
She warned Dalits, OBCs, and Muslims not to fall for what she termed as SP’s vote-bank strategies, saying,
“SP can go to any extent to get Dalit votes. Therefore, Dalits, OBCs, and the Muslim community must be cautious and not fall prey to their political tricks.”
Mayawati also urged Dalits affiliated with such parties to focus on promoting the teachings and legacy of their community’s saints and leaders, rather than supporting divisive narratives.
Her remarks come amid a growing controversy sparked by SP MP Ramji Lal Suman, who recently called Rana Sanga, the famed Rajput ruler of Mewar, a “traitor” for allegedly inviting Babur to India to defeat Ibrahim Lodi in the early 16th century. The comments triggered a storm of criticism and even violence outside Suman’s Agra residence, where unidentified persons pelted stones and vandalised vehicles.
Despite the backlash, Ramji Lal Suman has stood by his statement, saying,
“I’ve already clarified my position multiple times. I don’t understand why people are unnecessarily dragging this issue further.”
The ongoing war of words and tensions between the BSP and SP underscore a deeper battle for Dalit votes and ideological space ahead of the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh, where caste dynamics continue to shape political narratives.