Addressing a rally here, Mayawati said that Muslims have got their rights because of Ambedkar who carved out a secular Constitution which was, however, "not liked" by BJP and RSS.
"Now BJP and RSS want to change the secular Constitution and establish the old order of Hindutvadi caste based system," she said addressing workers to mark the 61st death anniversary of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar at Ambedkar Saamajik Parivartan Sthal, a memorial built during her regime as a tribute to the Dalit icon.
"It was because of a very petty mindset that the structure was demolished on this day to send a message that they do not believe in the secular Constitution of Ambedkar... BJP and RSS do not want anyone other than Hindus to lead a dignified life," she said.
Seeking to reach out to Muslims and dalits, she said, "If BJP comes to power, what will happen in Varanasi and Mathura, Muslims can understand...How many Rohith Vemula and Una will take place, Dalits can understand."
The BSP supremo said that after Singh, the then Prime Minister, implemented the report as per the conditions laid down by her party in return for its support, BJP withdrew its prop bringing down the government.
Exhorting dalits and backwards not to get swayed by BJP, Mayawati alleged that the saffron party has already started ways to weaken them and claimed it has started talking about review of reservation.
"Even if BJP and company makes any number of memorials in the name of Ambedkar, have food at dalits' houses, dalits will never forget Rohit Vemula, Una and Daya Shankar cases," she said
Stressing that these sections will have to take the "master key to power" in their hands, she warned that those who had been committing atrocities on the community for ages will try every trick to divide them.
Attacking Congress, Mayawati said that despite remaining in power for the maximum period at the Centre and in states, it did not give dalits, backwards and religious minorities their rights as per the Constitution and also did not confer 'Bharat Ratna' on Ambedkar.
The BSP chief claimed the "good turnout today is a reply to Prime Minister" that there has been no ill effect of demonetization on her party.
"I want to tell Modi, who had recently wondered how opposition parties will organise rallies after demonetization, that it will have no ill effect on BSP which is run through the help of its supporters... It can however have its impact on Congress and SP," she said.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
