Mayawati says Congress fought Delhi polls as 'BJP's B-team'
What's the story
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks on her party's political strategy. Responding to the charge, Mayawati, in a social media post on Friday, accused the Congress of acting as the "BJP's B team" in the Delhi Assembly elections. This, she alleged, allowed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to come to power.
Advice
Mayawati advises Rahul to introspect before criticizing others
Mayawati's remarks came after Gandhi expressed disappointment over her refusal to ally with the Congress against the BJP. "We wanted Behenji to fight with us against BJP but Mayawati ji did not fight for some reason or the other," Gandhi had said during an interaction with Dalit students in Rae Bareli. He said that a united front including Mayawati's party, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party could've stopped the BJP.
Protest
BSP workers protest against Gandhi's comments
Mayawati also accused the Congress of having a "double standard," alleging hostility toward the BSP in states where it is strong and deceptive alliance talks in states like Uttar Pradesh where it is weaker. She advised Gandhi to introspect before criticizing others, particularly her leadership. Following Gandhi's comments, BSP workers staged a protest in Raebareli, accusing him of "double standards" and misleading Dalit communities.
Past alliances
Mayawati criticizes past alliances with Congress
Mayawati also slammed previous alliances with the Congress, where she alleged that the BSP's support was not returned, resulting in defeats for her party. She stressed that both the Congress and BJP have historically worked against Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's ideals and the welfare objectives of the constitution. Meanwhile, posters have surfaced in Rae Bareli, warning Gandhi to apologize "or else the entire Dalit society will surely teach you a lesson."