NEW DELHI: BJP was quick to expel its Uttar Pradesh unit vice-president Daya Shankar Singh to contain any Dalit backlash for his offensive remark against BSP supremo Mayawati. But as the current game of caste polarisation is played out, he may return to the party earlier than expected. Given the curious ways of Indian politics, Singh has gained more among his upper caste Thakur community for ranting against Mayawati, even though BJP and RSS programmes appeared to have come undone.
If it was advantage BSP after offensive remarks against Mayawati, BJP jumped to counter the Dalit leader at her own game as party leaders hit the streets across Uttar Pradesh on Saturday to protest against similar remarks made by BSP leaders against Singh’s family. BJP decided to turn the tables on BSP by asking it to restrain its leaders from using foul language. Information and Broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu tweeted, “Abusing and traumatising wife and minor daughter of Singh is condemnable… BSP leadership should advise its leaders not to indulge in such activities.”
BJP also put its weight behind Singh’s lecturer wife Swati, who has been taking on Mayawati’s verbal attack on her and her daughter. Even after getting an FIR against BSP leaders for using foul language, she demanded that sections of Pocso be invoked against BSP for abusing her minor daughter. Aggression and articulation on Swati’s part was noticed by BJP strategecians, who know it is important to keep its core supporters, the upper castes, on its side.
BJP claims to have the maximum number of Dalit MPs. Dalits constitute 20 per cent of the population in poll-bound UP. According to BJP, if Dalits and Muslims, who together constitute 35 per cent of voters, it will have to focus on the remaining 65 per cent, which comprises a sizeable number of OBCs and the upper castes (Yadavs constitute 8.5 per cent, Brahmins 10 per cent , Thakurs 8.5 per cent). Yadavs and Muslims had voted for Samajwadi Party during the last elections, while Brahmins are known to choose the strongest political grouping each time. Mayawati is hoping Dalits, Muslims and Brahmins to return as CM for the fifth time.
Mayawati, aided by Congress, played the victim card to the hilt. “I did not marry and considered the entire country’s oppressed as my family. I have always followed my mentor Kanshi Ram’s advice to take (donation) from the underprivileged and not industrialists,” she said.
Meanwhile, Congress is expecting to win back upper castes from BJP, while getting Muslims on their side, as it was evident from its current choice of leaders in the state.
For now, BJP leaders hope that the issue may lose its steam in the days to come, as a strong measure has been taken against Singh.