Mayawati’s birthday pitch: Quota for poor Muslims

LUCKNOW: On her 63rd birthday on Tuesday, BSP supremo Mayawati used the occasion to demand quota for economically backward Muslims, a community that can tip the scales for the gathbandan in the general elections. “In 1947, approximately 33% Muslims were in government jobs. Now, this has dipped to 2-3%. While we welcome 10% quota for upper caste Hindus, Muslims and other minorities won’t benefit,” she said.
Samajwadi Partychief Akhilesh Yadav drove down to Mayawati’s residence to greet her and presented a bouquet and shawl. The two leaders were in a huddle for over an hour. This was Akhilesh’s second meeting in three days after the rollout of the historic alliance.
Mayawati also appealed to both BSP and Samajwadi Party workers to set aside differences, overlook personal agendas and ensure victory of the alliance in Lok Sabha elections. “The victory would be the best birthday gift you can give me,” she said.
In another big revelation, she said Uttar Pradesh decides which party will form the government in Delhi and who becomes PM. Akhilesh, too, had made a similar pitch while announcing the BSP-SP pact on January 12, saying he would be happy if UP sends the next PM to Parliament.
The two parties have come together after a long, controversial history, marked by confrontations, including the infamous guest house attack.
Criticising the BJP, RSS for their narrow mindset, she said that these leaders were playing politics over religion and recently misused government machinery to prevent Muslims from offering namaz.
‘BJP govt is strange, controversial’
Also, these organisations are encouraging elements who have begun dividing Gods on caste lines. Now, BJP members are rushing to declare the caste of deities,” she said.
Accusing BJP and Congress of corruption, Mayawati targeted them for the Rafale and Bofors deals. She said in light of the scam-riddled defence deals, it would be better if the Centre and allies and opposition parties, form a policy for defence deals.
She also did not spare the BJP government in UP, terming it “strange and controversial”. Mayawati said instead of working towards improving law and order, it had been using government funds in areas where these would be of little use.