Mayawati Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi: Casteism, Hypocrisy, and Political Divide

India (20 February, 2025): Rahul Gandhi recently expressed his disappointment over Mayawati's decision not to join Congress in fighting the BJP together in the upcoming elections. During an interaction with Dalit students in Rae Bareli, Rahul praised the contribution of BSP founder Kanshi Ram to Indian politics, saying that Mayawati had built upon his foundation. He stated that if all the opposition parties united, the BJP would not have been able to win. However, he was let down by Mayawati’s refusal to join forces with Congress.

Mayawati's Swift Response

Mayawati did not take kindly to Rahul's comments and responded sharply. On social media, she accused the Congress party of hypocrisy and casteism. She pointed out that the Congress harbors hostility towards the BSP wherever it holds power and speaks of alliances only when it is weak, especially in Uttar Pradesh. Mayawati emphasized that this contradictory behavior of Congress clearly shows its dual character.

Congress's Hypocrisy and Casteist Attitude

In her response, Mayawati attacked Congress for trying to form alliances in states like UP where it is weak, while showing hostility towards BSP and its followers when in power. She strongly questioned the Congress' intentions and called their actions hypocritical. According to her, Congress talks about alliances when it needs help but shows a casteist attitude in states where it is strong. This duality, according to Mayawati, proves the party’s insincerity.

The Role of Dalits in the Indian Constitution

During his conversation with students, Rahul Gandhi also spoke about the crucial role that Dalits have played in shaping India’s Constitution. He praised their contribution, saying that their ideology is embedded in the Constitution. However, he expressed concerns that Dalits continue to face systemic oppression and struggle against an unjust system that doesn’t allow them to progress. Rahul encouraged Dalit students to understand that the Constitution is based on their ideology.

The Power Struggle in Uttar Pradesh

The political rivalry between Congress and Mayawati is particularly evident in Uttar Pradesh, a crucial state in Indian politics. While Congress and the Samajwadi Party formed an alliance in the 2024 elections, their attempts to curb the BJP’s dominance were met with resistance. Mayawati’s refusal to align with Congress further deepens the divide between the two parties. The Congress's alliance with Samajwadi Party managed to secure 43 seats, but Mayawati’s stand highlights the continuing power struggle in the state.

Kanshi Ram's Legacy and Mayawati's Political Stance

Mayawati’s criticism of Congress draws from the legacy of Kanshi Ram, who founded the Bahujan Samaj Party with the goal of uplifting the marginalized sections of society. Rahul Gandhi’s praise for Kanshi Ram and Mayawati's role in building on his vision was met with a scathing response. Mayawati emphasized that despite the Congress party acknowledging Kanshi Ram's contributions, its actions do not align with his vision of social justice and empowerment.

Dalit Empowerment and the Struggle Against Oppression

Rahul Gandhi also took the opportunity to discuss the struggles faced by Dalits in India, who, despite playing a major role in the country's independence and the framing of the Constitution, continue to face oppression. He described how Dalits are subjected to attacks by the system, often without realizing it. Rahul’s words echoed the concerns of many Dalit activists who continue to fight for their rights and against discrimination.

Political Alliances and the Future of UP

The ongoing political battle between Congress and BSP also signals a deeper issue in Indian politics: the challenge of forming stable alliances for defeating the BJP. While Congress and Samajwadi Party formed a strong partnership in UP, the absence of BSP leaves a major gap in opposition unity. Mayawati’s refusal to join forces with Rahul Gandhi has made it clear that the road ahead for a united opposition in Uttar Pradesh remains uncertain.

The Legacy of Dalit Politics

Mayawati’s refusal to align with Congress also brings to the forefront the issue of Dalit politics in India. The BSP has long been seen as the voice of the Dalit community, and Mayawati has successfully built the party's influence in several states. Despite this, the challenge of creating lasting alliances remains a significant barrier to advancing the political agenda of Dalits in India. The ongoing dispute between Rahul Gandhi and Mayawati is a reflection of the larger ideological divide in Indian politics. The accusations of hypocrisy, casteism, and power struggles are not new in the political landscape, but they shed light on the complexities of forming alliances in a diverse country like India. As both Congress and BSP navigate their political futures, the fate of Dalit empowerment and opposition unity remains a critical issue in shaping the nation’s future.