Mayawati distances herself from Swami Prasad Maurya's remarks

LUCKNOW: BSP supremo Mayawati today distanced herself from reported controversial remarks made by party general secretary Swami Prasad Maurya against Hindu religion.

While addressing a gathering at Karpuri Thakur Bhagidari Sammelan here yesterday, Maurya, who is leader of opposition in Uttar Pradesh Assembly, had reportedly said that Goddess Gauri and Lord Ganesh should not be worshipped during marriages.

He made several critical references to the Hindu religion while speaking about the status of the so-called lower castes.

"BSP respects all religion, therefore, a few things said by Maurya regarding religious practices and other things during a function in Lucknow yesterday is his personal opinion and reaction. It is not the party's opinion," Mayawati said in a statement issued here.

The party believes in secularism and hails its moto "sarvjan hitay, sarvjan sukhaya," the BSP supremo said, adding that the party was against interfering in the culture, marriage and lifestyle of the people.

"Whatever Maurya said regarding worship and other things are his personal opinion and reaction and this is not the reaction of BSP. Therefore it should not be twisted and associated with the party," she added.

Mayawati said she wanted to establish "Samta Moolak Samaj" (society based on equality) and change inequitable system by taking along the the entire society, including Dalits, backward class, upper caste and religious minority.

Meanwhile, condemning Maurya's remarks, BJP's state spokesman Vijay Bahadur Pathak claimed that BSP leaders are frustrated after its drubbing in the Lok Sabha elections and are now attacking social traditions.

He said that the comments made by Maurya are his personal opinion then Mayawati should take action against him.