“Their (BJP) policies are focused on promoting casteist, capitalist and narrow-minded agendas of the RSS. This has resulted in an environment of religious tension and hate in the state,” she said. People from Dalit and backward communities have not benefitted from the BJP government’s policies, including reservation in government jobs, because it has involved the private sector in most of its projects, she added.

“The upper caste also feels neglected under the BJP. The government’s policies have led to price rise and an increased number of people living in poverty. “It appears that the fuel prices will be increased once the elections are over. Youngsters from the state are forced to migrate due to the lack of employment opportunities,” Mayawati said.

The BSP chief claimed the migrants who returned to the state during the COVID-19 pandemic were forced to go back due to the lack of employment opportunities in the state. She said the common people in Uttar Pradesh have only suffered under the rule of BJP, Congress and Samajwadi Party.

The BSP, which has worked for the upliftment of people from all sections of society, is the only alternative for good governance, she added. Mayawati also accused the SP of adopting a “step-motherly” approach towards Dalits and most backward sections of society.

“After coming to power (in 2012), the SP changed names of districts we had christened after Dalit icons,” she said. When a bill on reservation in promotion for Dalit officers was brought in Parliament, the SP tore it and did not allow it to get approved, she claimed.

The BSP chief said criminals and the mafia flourished under the SP government. The Muzaffarnagar riots also took place during the SP’s tenure. Mayawati attacked the Congress over its “hostile” attitude towards Dalits, alleging that its government had denied the Bharat Ratna to B R Ambedkar, who is considered the architect of the Indian Constitution, and to Dalit icon Kanshi Ram.