Thu Feb 20 14:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Rahul Gandhi Questions Mayawati’s Election Strategy, Sparks BSP Accusations of Casteism

**Lucknow, UP** – A political spat erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati’s recent electoral performance. During a meeting with Dalit students in Raebareli on Thursday, Gandhi, while acknowledging Mayawati’s past contributions, questioned her party’s lackluster showing in the recent elections. He expressed regret that a united opposition, including the BSP, SP, and Congress, could have prevented the BJP’s victory.

Mayawati responded sharply, accusing the Congress of harboring animosity and exhibiting a casteist attitude towards the BSP. She highlighted a perceived double standard, claiming that while Congress seeks alliances with the BSP in states where it is weak (like UP), it displays hostility in states where it holds power. She further asserted that past alliances with Congress resulted in the BSP’s votes being transferred to the Congress, without reciprocal support, leading to losses for the BSP.

Mayawati also leveled broader accusations against both the Congress and BJP, alleging their historical opposition to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and the Dalit-Bahujan movement, hindering the country’s progress towards social equality.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP) in alliance, winning 6 and 37 seats respectively. The BSP, contesting independently, won zero seats despite securing 9.4% of the vote. This outcome forms the backdrop for Gandhi’s question and Mayawati’s forceful rebuttal, reigniting tensions between the two parties.

Read More