New Delhi: Ahead of elections in the state, the BJP on Tuesday hit out at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, alleging that building her own statues and building parks using huge public money would not help the cause of Dalits.
At a party programme held on the death anniversary of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar, BJP President Nitin Gadkari targeted Mayawati, charging her rule had failed to ensure the safety of women and Dalits in Uttar Pradesh.
"When Mayawati came to power, there was hope for Dalits. We will have to accept that she put up a number of statues of Baba Saheb Ambedkar in Uttar Pradesh. But the welfare of Dalits is not taking place and they are still fighting against poverty and hunger," Gadkari said.
He alleged Rs 10,000 crore had been spent by Mayawati to put up her statues and build parks for "votebank politics".
Gadkari charged her "wrong policies and corruption" in her government had led to the plight of the people in the state.
"Why can't Dalit youth get employment in Uttar Pradesh? Because there are no new industries," Gadkari said.
He maintained Ambedkar's name has been used for political gains in the state.
"Women are not safe in Uttar Pradesh. The progress in the state has been that of a select few," he alleged.
The BJP President cited the example of a "Brahmin minister" in Mayawati's cabinet and charged he and his kin had made illegal profits. He did not name the minister.
The BJP claimed its aim is to bring socio-economic changes which would end all kinds of discrimination, including those based on caste.
Gadkari said Dalits had to convert to Buddhism due to discrimination.
"We should strive to create a society where people are judged not by their caste but by their talent and labour," Gadkari said.
He maintained BJP does not believe in making electoral promises and then forget them after the polls.
Gadkari emphasised his party's motto of serving the last man in the queue – Antyodaya - was aimed also at the welfare of Dalits.
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