Lucknow, July 12, 2026 – Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati took to X today to claim that opposition parties are deliberately misguiding Dalit and other Bahujan sections by using select Dalit organisations as pawns. She dismissed recent road‑blockades and protests as “political gimmicks” and warned that such tactics aim to dilute the Bahujan movement.

Political Context in Uttar Pradesh

With state elections looming, every major party in Uttar Pradesh is scrambling for the Dalit‑backward‑class vote bank. While the BSP has traditionally positioned itself as an Ambedkarite, non‑violent, development‑focused force, the BJP and Congress have increasingly resorted to street‑level agitation to mobilise similar constituencies. This rivalry sets the stage for Mayavti’s sharp criticism.

Mayawati’s Detailed Statement

In a thread, Mayawati wrote, “Unlike other parties, BSP never believes in demonstrations, road blockades, vandalism or false propaganda to achieve political gains. Our governance in Uttar Pradesh for four terms stands as proof of ‘Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya’ – welfare for all.” She further asserted that opposition parties “shed crocodile tears” and “change colour like chameleons” for narrow interests, contrasting this with the BSP’s commitment to the upliftment of Dalits, tribals, OBCs, Muslims and the poor.

The Lalita Gautam Murder and Its Aftermath

Mayawati’s comments came after the high‑profile murder of 20‑year‑old BA student Lalita Gautam in Meerut’s Rohta area. Her body was recovered from a sugarcane field, and the alleged boyfriend was initially arrested and later released on bail. Dalit groups and the victim’s family demanded a fresh probe, leading to protests on July 8‑9 that turned violent. Police resorted to lathi‑charge, detaining seven protesters and filing cases against around 50 unidentified individuals for unlawful assembly and assault on police.

Congress’ Counter‑Narrative

The Congress party swiftly responded, stating that “Mayawati is echoing the BJP playbook and thereby weakening the Bahujan and marginalized cause.” It emphasized that democratic citizens have the right to peaceful protest and that any attempt to delegitimise dissent undermines the very fabric of a pluralistic society.

Political analysts warn that such accusation‑exchange could deepen communal fissures in a state already fraught with caste‑based tensions. If parties continue to weaponise Dalit organisations for electoral gain, the long‑term prospects for genuine social change and economic upliftment may be compromised.