BJP ignored dalits for Bharat Ratna: Maya

Accusing the BJP-led government of being “casteist”, BSP supremo Mayawati on Saturday said dalits have been discriminated against in awarding of the Bharat Ratna.

Speaking to the media persons here, Mayawati also lashed out at the Modi government for “doing nothing” for the people during its tenure so far and only indulging in “dramabazi” (gimmick) while “protecting” the interests of the big industrial houses.

“Like the previous UPA  regime led by the Congress, this government too is casteist...it has ignored dalit leaders while selecting the names for award of Bharat Ratna...the two persons chosen for the award hail from the same caste (brahmin)...there are dalit leaders like Kanshiram, who should have been given the award,” Mayawati said.

The BSP supremo came down hard on the Modi-led government, accusing it of failing to deliver on the promises made during the Lok Sabha polls. 

 “The promises continue to be mere dreams...this gimmickry will not last long,” she said referring to the promise to bring back the black money stashed abroad.Mayawati also said that the prices of diesel and petrol had gone down owing to global factors. “Inflation has declined only on paper...prices continue to be high,” she claimed.

She also denounced the centre for taking the ordinance route to push its economic reform agenda.

The BSP leader virtually ridiculed the centre for scrapping the Planning Commission and replacing it with “Niti Ayog”. “Mere change of name will not bring any radical improvement,” she said in reply to a query.

She reiterated her demand that the President’s rule should be imposed in Uttar Pradesh due to the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.