Mayawati Tears Into Yogi Government, Slams Them for Neglecting Underprivileged

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati sharply criticized the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday, accusing it of failing to utilize available funds for the welfare of the underprivileged. Speaking at a press conference in Lucknow, she highlighted the state’s poor delivery of basic services like education, healthcare, roads, electricity, and water, despite its portrayal as India’s "growth engine."

"The Uttar Pradesh government, like the Centre, has no shortage of funds, but its failure to use them for the welfare of the underprivileged is deeply concerning," Mayawati stated. She alleged that the BJP mirrors the Congress in governance, rendering welfare schemes ineffective and favoring wealthy capitalists over the poor. "Instead of making the rich richer, the government should focus on eradicating poverty, unemployment, and backwardness," she added.

Reflecting on her party’s tenure, Mayawati claimed the BSP had delivered tangible reforms during its four terms in UP. "We ensured sufficient funding to provide 17 essential facilities to rural areas, significantly improving people’s lives," she said, reaffirming her commitment to Ambedkarite principles.

She also condemned Madhya Pradesh Minister Prahlad Patel’s remark calling welfare beneficiaries a "brigade of beggars." "Such statements reveal the BJP’s narrow-minded, casteist attitude toward millions of poor citizens," Mayawati said, accusing the party of exploiting Dalits and the underprivileged as vote banks while humiliating them post-elections.

Further, she criticized the BJP for allegedly targeting a specific religion and misusing law enforcement, calling it a violation of constitutional secularism. "Such policies harm the welfare of millions—Dalits, tribals, backward classes, and laborers—affecting national progress," she warned, urging a shift to inclusive governance rooted in "Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay" (welfare and happiness for all).

Mayawati also pointed out the diversion of funds meant for marginalized communities, a concern she said the BSP has repeatedly raised in Parliament, pressing the government to act decisively.