Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has strongly condemned Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ram Gopal Yadav for making caste-based remarks about Indian Air Force Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Calling the comments “shameful and condemnable”, Mayawati stressed that the valor of the Indian Armed Forces must never be seen through the lens of caste or religion.
In a statement posted on X, the BSP supremo said:
“The entire country is united and proud of the valour displayed during Operation Sindoor against terrorists in Pakistan. In such a situation, dividing or judging the army on the basis of religion and caste is extremely unfair. Ram Gopal Yadav has made the same mistake as BJP Minister Vijay Shah, which is equally shameful.”
The Spark Behind the Row
Yadav had controversially remarked that “these people” would have abused Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Air Marshal AK Bharti had they known their caste, thus stirring a hornet’s nest. His comment was widely perceived as an attempt to identify military officers by caste, which has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum.
Vijay Shah Controversy Also Echoes
Mayawati’s comparison refers to a recent controversy involving Madhya Pradesh BJP Minister Vijay Shah, who made derogatory remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated officer. His comments, which went viral on social media, led the Madhya Pradesh High Court to order an FIR against him. Shah has since claimed that his remarks were misinterpreted and were intended to praise Colonel Qureshi’s bravery, not undermine it.
Legal and Political Repercussions
The Supreme Court also intervened, sharply criticising Shah. A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustus George Masih stated:
“What kind of statement are you making? Such a person holding a constitutional office should be responsible. When the country is going through such a situation, he has to know what he is saying.”
The MP High Court warned that if an FIR wasn’t registered by Wednesday evening, it would consider contempt proceedings against the Director General of Police.
Cross-Party Condemnation
The fallout has triggered fierce political responses:
- Uttar Pradesh Minister Baby Rani Maurya denounced Yadav’s remarks.
- UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak accused the SP of harboring “anti-woman and regressive” views.
- Several political observers noted that both BJP and SP leaders have faced public outrage for invoking caste identities while speaking about armed forces personnel.
National Sentiment
These developments come amid heightened national sentiment following Operation Sindoor, a bold cross-border military operation. The armed forces’ professionalism and unity have been widely lauded, with many citizens and leaders urging restraint in politicizing military achievements.