Mayawati Accuses SP of Hypocrisy: 'Social Justice' Party Gives Tickets to Privileged

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati on Saturday accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) of hypocrisy, alleging that while the SP preaches social justice, it allocates election tickets to candidates from privileged castes. Addressing a rally in Lucknow, she warned backward classes, Dalits, tribals, and minorities to be vigilant against the SP's 'double standards'.

Mayawati's remarks come amid a fierce political rivalry in Uttar Pradesh, where the BSP and SP are competing for the support of marginalized communities. She cited recent ticket distributions as evidence, claiming that the SP has sidelined Dalit and backward class leaders. 'The SP's slogan of social justice is a sham. They field candidates from upper castes while asking us to vote for them,' she said, without providing specific names or numbers.

The allegation could deepen the rift within the opposition alliance ahead of the 2024 general elections, where the SP is part of the INDIA bloc. Political analysts suggest Mayawati's statement may be aimed at consolidating her party's core Dalit vote bank, which has eroded in recent years. The SP has not yet responded to the accusations. The BSP is expected to launch a statewide campaign to highlight the issue, potentially complicating opposition unity.