Mayawati slams Congress for 'politics of pure deception and selfishness' over Ambedkar issue, targets BJP and SP

NEW DELHI: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Sunday criticised the Congress for its protests over the alleged "disrespect" to B R Ambedkar in Parliament, accusing the party of indulging in "politics of pure deception and selfishness."

She alleged that the Congress, which has historically undermined Ambedkar’s contributions, was now engaging in opportunistic vote bank politics.

"In reality, saints, gurus and great men born in the Bahujan Samaj including Baba Saheb got full respect and honour only when there was a BSP government, which these casteist parties cannot digest," Mayawati stated in a series of posts on X.



Mayawati also took aim at the BJP, claiming the ruling party and the Congress are similar when it comes to invoking Ambedkar’s name for political gains. She alleged that all political parties are conspiring to harm the BSP to weaken Ambedkar’s movement.

Her remarks come amid the Congress’ ongoing protests against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, whom it has accused of "insulting" Ambedkar during a recent speech in the Rajya Sabha. Shah has refuted the allegations, accusing the Congress of running a "malicious campaign" and twisting his statements. He also charged the opposition with being "anti-Ambedkar and anti-reservation."



Mayawati highlighted widespread anger over Shah's remarks, stating, "There is huge anger among the people across the country over the disrespect of the most revered Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar by Shri Amit Shah in Parliament, but the avidity of the Congress party, which has always neglected and hurt his struggle for the country, is pure deception and politics of selfishness."

She further criticised the Samajwadi Party (SP), alleging that it "maliciously" changed the names of districts, institutions, and welfare schemes linked to Ambedkar’s legacy during its tenure. "Especially the SP which, out of malice, even changed the names of districts, institutions and public welfare schemes, etc.," Mayawati said.