OBCs figure big in Mayawati’s speech in western Uttar Pradesh

NEW DELHI: In her first big rally after resigning from the Rajya Sabha on July 18, BSP chief Mayawati tried to reconnect with the other backward castes (OBCs) by referring to her support for the Mandal Commission report and also resumed her attacks against the BJP.

In a speech at Meerut that lasted well over an hour, Mayawati recalled the BJP’s decision to withdraw support from the then VP Singh government in an apparent bid to woo the OBC voters. While targeting the BJP, she also highlighted the Rohith Vemula and Una incidents. Referring to demonetisation, she said it has only weakened the economy.

Mayawati also spoke of Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar’s resignation as law minister on the issue of Hindu Code Bill, alleged that EVM machines were tampered in the last state polls and blamed BJP for Saharanpur violence.

Her speech clearly showed her efforts to woo back the OBC voters, apart from keeping intact her support base among the SC voters. BSP could win only 19 seats in Up elections in what is considered to be the party’s worst performance since 1991. She now plans to hold a rally on the 18th of every month.

Mayawati reached the venue of his rally by car. She said she wanted to reach the venue on time. She appealed voters to dislodge the BJP from power in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

BSP workers from Moradabad, Saharanpur and Meerut divisions attended the rally.