Mayawati hits out at Modi government over Dalit 'atrocities'

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, launching her party's election campaign from Agra -- considered the Dalit capital of north India -- lashed out at the Narendra Modi-led BJP government for "atrocities" on Dalits and failing to fulfill promises made before the Lok Sabha elections.

The Uttar Pradesh assembly elections are expected to be held some time in February 2017.

Addressing a mammoth rally at the Kothi Meena Bazar ground, Mayawati targeted Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat for asking Hindus to produce more than two children. The Centre can not take care of two children, who will provide for more, she wondered.

Mayawati said the Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government was soft towards capitalists. It had failed to bring back black money from foreign countries as promised.

The BJP-led government, she said, was deliberately expanding the private sector to hit the Dalits who were being denied benefits of reservation. She was particularly harsh on the issue of cow slaughter and so-called "love jehad".

Mayawati said the BJP was trying to capture power in Uttar Pradesh by circulating lies.

She said the Centre was not able to take care of law and order in Delhi, how can it take care of such a big state like UP. She attacked the Congress for sending a tainted politician to UP as future Chief Minister.

The BSP chief counselled the state's voters that the BJP in desperation could foment communal trouble for electoral gains. "You should remain patient against such designs," she cautioned. It was a 'Tilak, Taraju aur Talwar' party, she said.

Targeting the Samajwadi Party, Mayawati advised Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to stop calling her "Bua" (aunty), recalling the unfortunate incidents at the Lucknow guest house years ago. She said the Samajwadi Party was a government of gundas and anti-social elements.

In her one-hour-long speech, Mayawati minced no words denouncing deserters and those who accused her of collecting money for distributing tickets. She did not even spare the media which, according to her, was under the influence of capitalists and the BJP.

Mayawati, who has been Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh four times, said Agra was the Dalit capital of north and she would do everything for the progress of the city when in power.

--IANS

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