Lucknow, October 9, 2025 – Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati expressed her gratitude towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh while sharply criticizing the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Thursday. Addressing supporters at the Kanshi Ram Memorial in Lucknow on the 19th death anniversary of BSP founder Kanshi Ram, Mayawati lauded the BJP government for its transparency in managing funds related to the memorial, a stark contrast to her allegations against the previous SP government.
Mayawati stated that unlike the Samajwadi Party government, the current BJP government has used the revenue generated from ticket sales at the Kanshi Ram Memorial for its upkeep and renovation. She recounted writing to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, requesting that ticket revenue be allocated for the memorial's maintenance, and expressed her appreciation that the government not only considered the request but also acted upon it. She emphasized that the BSP was not seeking separate funds but simply wanted the existing revenue to be used appropriately.
The BSP chief explained that during her party's tenure, the introduction of entry tickets to memorials and parks was intended to ensure their proper maintenance. She lamented that the SP government, which succeeded the BSP in 2012, allegedly hoarded the ticket revenue instead of using it for the upkeep of these sites. She accused the SP of neglecting Dalit icons and only remembering them when out of power. "When SP is in power, it is neither the thought of PDA nor the birth and death anniversaries of Kanshi Ram Ji that strikes them, but it is only when they are out of power," Mayawati remarked.
Furthermore, Mayawati accused the SP of hypocrisy and of using Dalit icons for political gain. She questioned the SP's motives, asking why the party renamed the Kasganj district, which was initially named after Kanshi Ram during the BSP's rule, as soon as they came to power. She also pointed out that the SP had discontinued numerous schemes and initiatives launched by the BSP government that were named after Kanshi Ram.
Mayawati also touched upon the broader political landscape, alleging that the Congress, BJP, SP, and other rival parties have historically colluded to undermine the BSP. She claimed that these parties strategically transfer votes to defeat the BSP in elections and manipulate EVMs. She cautioned her supporters against attempts to divide Dalit votes by floating new political units and urged them to remain united and vigilant.
In a show of strength, Mayawati reiterated the BSP's commitment to representing the interests of Dalits and other marginalized communities. She positioned herself as a strong Dalit leader and called on her supporters to strengthen the party's base in preparation for future elections.
