Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh political landscape witnessed a dramatic moment as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati abruptly stopped her birthday press conference on Thursday after smoke was seen emanating from the lighting equipment at the venue. Speaking before the interruption, she highlighted the achievements of her party and criticized major rivals for attempting to stall the BSP’s rise in the state.
Addressing social justice and caste representation, Mayawati reassured the Brahmin community of her party’s commitment. “Our party has always given due respect to Brahmins. They do not need anyone’s charity. They should not be misled by the BJP, SP, or Congress,” she stated. She emphasized that, if elected, a BSP government would ensure respect and fair treatment for Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Jats, Dalits, and minority communities alike. “No temples, mosques, or churches were ever demolished during our government,” Mayawati added, taking a dig at alleged mismanagement under other regimes.
Recalling her landmark experiment in 2007, she referenced her strategy of fielding Brahmin candidates in 86 constituencies, calling it “social engineering.” The initiative, she said, had helped create a broad-based government where the BSP’s traditional Dalit support was joined by Brahmins, with the party’s elephant symbol now representing both Dalits and Hindu cultural heritage.
On the current political scenario, Mayawati expressed concerns about law and order in Uttar Pradesh. She criticized the Samajwadi Party’s tenure for “hooliganism” and attacks on Dalits and questioned the credibility of electronic voting machines. “The people want a BSP government. Elections should be held using ballot papers to ensure fairness,” she asserted.
