In a critique aimed at her political adversaries concerning governance in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, the leader of the BSP, asserted on Thursday that she did not necessitate a forceful approach akin to the current BJP administration to uphold law and order in the region during her tenure.
“When the BSP held sway in Uttar Pradesh, we prevented interreligious conflicts from erupting. Reverence was accorded to all faith communities, safeguarding their lives, assets, and religious convictions.
“Can you recollect instances of tumult occurring during my regime in Uttar Pradesh? Regardless of which political faction governed, whether it be the Samajwadi Party, the Congress, or the present BJP, tumults have transpired,” articulated the BSP chief, addressing a campaign gathering at the Christian College grounds.
Mayawati further insinuated that the BSP may unveil a surprise for those alleging that the party has positioned candidates solely to influence the outcomes of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Delving into the matter of law and order, she remarked, “Previously, during festive occasions, whether of Hindu or Muslim origin, incidents used to unfold, but not under my governance.” Mayawati also reminisced about the tranquil state of affairs in UP when the Ayodhya verdict was pronounced by the high court during her administration.
“Schools, colleges, and offices were operational nationwide, with the exception of UP, and not a single untoward incident ensued. We ensured the welfare and protection of individuals belonging to all creeds and castes, as well as the safeguarding of their lives and assets,” she elaborated.
The pronouncement of the Allahabad High Court verdict occurred on September 30, 2010, during Mayawati’s tenure as chief minister of the state. “On festive occasions, incidents would occasionally transpire, yet you have witnessed the law and order during my stewardship. The enforcement of law was established through legitimate channels, obviating the need for heavy-handed tactics employed by the present BJP administration. We instituted the rule of law via lawful means,” she appended.
The administration of Yogi Adityanath has faced criticism for employing forceful measures to demolish the dwellings of alleged “wrongdoers” in the state. Referring to the three nominees of her party in Mainpuri, Etah, and Firozabad, she declared they have been fielded “not to manipulate election outcomes but to secure resounding victories themselves.”
“Opponents campaigning in Mainpuri are insinuating that the BSP candidate will only influence others’ victories or defeats but will not clinch victory themselves. However, the inverse scenario may unfold. Those propagating such notions may find themselves in the runner-up positions,” she emphasized.
The BSP leader also reiterated that in recent years, there has been exploitation and subjugation under the guise of Hindutva, stemming from animosity, particularly towards Muslims, which will be curtailed once the BSP assumes power, as she had done during her administration in UP, by prioritizing all segments of society.
If entrusted with power at the helm, the BSP will undertake substantial initiatives akin to those implemented in UP during its tenure. Parties such as the Congress and the BJP, along with their allies, must be thwarted from ascending to power, she urged.
“The misguided policies of these parties and their modus operandi have been tested by you. There exists a stark disparity between their rhetoric and actions. They are resorting to every stratagem to regain power. The populace must remain vigilant,” she asserted, urging against a resurgence of these parties for the collective good of the state and the nation.
Mayawati implored support for her party’s candidates—Shiv Prasad Yadav from Mainpuri, Mohd Irfan from Etah, and Chaudhary Bashir from Firozabad. The polling in Mainpuri, Etah, and Firozabad is scheduled for May 7 in the third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
