Lucknow, August 24, 2024 – Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress for their silence on the Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) for reservations. In a series of posts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mayawati accused both parties of having an “anti-reservation” stance, highlighting their failure to take a clear position on the issue.
Mayawati’s comments come in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling on August 1, where a seven-judge constitution bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, ruled by a 6:1 majority that states could make sub-classifications within SCs and STs to ensure that more backward castes within these groups receive the benefits of reservation. The decision, which has sparked significant debate, allows states to justify sub-classification based on standards and data.
In her posts, Mayawati questioned the intent of SP, Congress, and other political parties, accusing them of speaking in favor of SC/ST reservation only when it serves their interests, while remaining silent on crucial issues like the Supreme Court’s decision. “The conduct, character, and face of SP, Congress, and others have always been anti-reservation, which is proven by their lack of support for the Bharat Bandh. Anyway, it is not clear from their statements regarding reservation whether they are in favor of the Supreme Court’s decision or against it? Why is there such a confusion?” Mayawati wrote in Hindi.
She further asserted that the silence of these parties on the sub-classification issue exposes their true anti-reservation mindset. “SP, Congress, and others speak in support of SC/ST reservation out of interest and compulsion but are silent on the Supreme Court’s decision on August 1 regarding the classification of ST/SC reservation and creamy layer. Their silence shows their anti-reservation thinking, and in such a situation, it is important to be alert,” she added.
Mayawati also suggested that the SP, Congress, and other parties seem to be internally united against the concept of reservation, which she claims necessitates a vigilant response from the SC/ST and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) communities. She urged these communities to wisely fight for the protection of their reservation rights, the constitution, and the caste census on their own strength.
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The Supreme Court’s decision has stirred significant reactions across the political spectrum, particularly among parties and groups representing SCs, STs, and OBCs. The ruling allows states to further classify these communities into sub-groups, with the aim of ensuring that the most marginalized within these communities benefit from reservation policies. The decision has been both praised and criticized, with supporters arguing that it would promote equity among SCs and STs, while opponents fear it could lead to further divisions and weaken the broader fight for social justice.
Mayawati’s strong stance highlights her ongoing commitment to the reservation system, a cornerstone of her political platform. As the leader of the BSP, which draws significant support from Dalits and other marginalized communities, she has consistently advocated for the protection and expansion of reservation policies. Her criticism of SP and Congress is part of a broader effort to consolidate support among these communities by positioning herself and her party as the true defenders of their rights.
The controversy over sub-classification is likely to intensify as the 2024 general elections approach, with political parties seeking to solidify their positions on key issues affecting marginalized communities. Mayawati’s statements suggest that the BSP will continue to challenge other parties on their commitment to social justice and reservation policies, potentially shaping the electoral landscape in key states like Uttar Pradesh.
A nationwide strike, or Bharat Bandh, was called by some Dalit and tribal groups on August 21 in protest of the Supreme Court’s decision on sub-classification. The strike saw participation from various social groups and organizations, reflecting the widespread concern and mobilization around the issue. As the debate continues, the political ramifications of the Supreme Court’s ruling and the responses from major parties will be closely watched by observers and voters alike.
