Behenji draws flak over remarks on Bapu

While addressing a meeting of MPs and legislators of BSP here on Saturday, Mayawati called the Father of the Nation a natakbaaz (fake).

She also distributed pamphlets condemning both Mahatma Gandhi and Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi for being insincere about improving the socio-economic status of Dalits.

“Mayawati’s attempt to run down the Father of the Nation will only prove counter-productive and she will have to pay for it,” said state Congress spokesperson Subodh Srivastava. Samajwadi Party state president Akhilesh Yadav said: “Mayawati’s derogatory remarks against Mahatma are clearly a reflection of her having not only lost ground but even her balance.” BJP spokesman Hriday Narain Dikshit said: “By terming whatever Bapu did against untouchability as a drama, Mayawati has shown utter disrespect to the Father of the Nation.”