BSP supremo and former Chief Minister Mayawati has reignited discussions around the creation of a separate state in Western Uttar Pradesh, pledging sincere efforts towards this endeavour if the BSP forms the government. Speaking at an election rally at the GIC ground, Mayawati emphasized the importance of fair and transparent elections, cautioning against irregularities in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) that could undermine the democratic process.
“We will declare Western Uttar Pradesh as a separate state when our government is formed at the Centre, for the development of the people of this region. Along with this, special attention will be given to the interests of farmers, labourers, unemployed and small traders,” she said.
Mayawati condemned the ruling dispensation’s reliance on theatrics and rhetoric, asserting that the public has grown wary of promises made to the poor, which often serve the interests of capitalists. She criticized both Congress and BJP for allegedly politicizing government investigating agencies, citing electoral bonds as evidence of their ties to capitalists.
Highlighting the social unrest during the SP government’s tenure, Mayawati lamented the erosion of communal harmony in Western Uttar Pradesh, contrasting it with the BSP’s governance, which she claimed saw no communal riots. She attributed the breakdown of harmony between Jats and Muslims to the SP’s rule, citing instances like the atmosphere of fear in Muzaffarnagar during that time.
“During the tenure of the SP government, an atmosphere of fear prevailed in Muzaffarnagar, to the extent that Muslim representatives hesitated to contest elections. Due to this, a candidate from the extremely backward class had to be fielded. To ensure representation for the Muslim community, a candidate has been fielded from Haridwar this time,” she said.
Mayawati elucidated her party’s strategy of social engineering in ticket distribution for the Lok Sabha elections in Western UP, ensuring representation for diverse communities. She cited examples of ticket allocations to individuals from various communities, including Prajapati in Muzaffarnagar, Jat in Bijnor, Rajput in Kairana, and Muslim in Saharanpur. Additionally, she highlighted the candidacy of Maulana Jamil from Haridwar, Uttarakhand, as a testament to the party’s commitment to diverse representation.
Turning her attention to the challenges faced by farmers, Mayawati contrasted the BSP’s proactive approach during its rule, where issues concerning farmers were promptly addressed, including significant increases in sugarcane prices. She criticized the BJP government for allegedly misleading the public with free food items while failing to address underlying issues faced by farmers and unemployed youth.
Mayawati concluded her address by reaffirming the BSP’s commitment to social justice and equitable representation, urging voters to consider the party’s track record of governance and its vision for a more inclusive and prosperous Uttar Pradesh.
