With Mayawati on stage, Ajit Singh has to take off shoes

In tiny steps is history made. At times, it can be even simpler: merely in taking off one’s shoes. Days ago, at the first joint rally of BSP, SP and RLD in Saharanpur, as Ajit Singh followed Akhilesh and Mayawati up the stairs to the dais, a BSP coordinator asked the leader of Jats to take off his shoes — the 63-year-old BSP chief does not like anyone wearing shoes on stage. Except her.

It is well known that Mayawati is a taskmaster on protocol — everyone must take off shoes before approaching her because she is said to be allergic to dust. However, the 80-year-old RLD chief’s compliance at the rally was not just related to her health sensitivity but was also emblematic of the fast-changing social equations in India.

Maya calling the shots at alliance rallies
The RJD leader’s ready compliance to take off shoes at the April 7 joint rally for BSP leader Mayawati was emblematic of the fast changing social equations in India and of how Dalits have played on the strength of their numbers and political cohesion to rewrite the rules of social engagement.


It also shows Jats, the region’s overlords until recently, acknowledging the vitality of the numbers Mayawati brings to their political fortunes. An RLD spokesperson on Saturday sought to downplay his leader’s eagerness to accommodate Mayawati’s requirement. “Chaudhary saheb believes the poll dais is sacrosanct and usually takes off his shoes.” Mayawati is clearly calling the shots at rallies and public meetings of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance.