Mayawati attacks RSS chief for linking reservation to rising bitterness in society
BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday tore into RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over his remarks on reservation, accusing him of betraying a “casteist mindset” and warning
BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday tore into RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over his remarks on reservation, accusing him of betraying a “casteist mindset” and warning against any move to dilute the existing quota system for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Mayawati was responding to Bhagwat’s remarks that reservation had been politicised, creating bitterness in society, and that those who no longer needed its benefits should voluntarily give them up. Read Full Story She said such a position might suit narrow political interests but would weaken the constitutional objective of social justice. “Caste discrimination cannot be measured merely through economic progress. Its impact continues to affect every aspect of the lives of those who have suffered from it,” Mayawati said in a post on X.
MAYAWATI OPPOSES ‘CREAMY LAYER’ FOR SCs, STs The BSP chief also strongly opposed applying the “creamy layer” principle to reservations for SCs and STs, arguing that reservation was linked not merely to economic status but to social transformation, dignity and self-respect. She described reservation as an “extremely important and sensitive” issue for SC, ST and OBC communities, especially for those who had faced discrimination, exploitation and exclusion for generations. “Reservation is essentially about giving millions of people who have been victims of the caste system for centuries, and who have been exploited, oppressed, neglected and ostracised, their constitutional and legal right to equality on humanitarian grounds,” she said.
Mayawati argued that introducing a creamy layer for SCs and STs would run contrary to the humanitarian objectives of the Constitution drafted under the leadership of Dr B R Ambedkar. ASKS CENTRE TO ARGUE CASE STRONGLY IN COURT Mayawati said successive governments at the Centre were aware of the “ground reality” surrounding caste discrimination and urged the present government to effectively argue before the courts for keeping SCs and STs outside the creamy layer framework. “If the government, based on valid arguments, effectively presents its case and persuades the court to keep the SC and ST communities outside the creamy layer, it would be entirely appropriate and constitutional,” she said.
She also alleged that weak government responses and ineffective legal representation had, at times, prevented courts from delivering proper justice on matters linked to social transformation. Mayawati urged the RSS to respect the Constitution and stop advocating changes to the reservation system. “It would be better if the RSS, while fully respecting the humanitarian and welfare-oriented Constitution of Baba Saheb Dr B R Ambedkar, stops politicising reservation and also stops advocating any interference with the reservation system,” she said. Ends
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