SP’s grand plan for Kanshi Ram event triggers war of words between Mayawati, Akhilesh

“Today, the entire ‘PDA society’ is delighted and pleased with this decision that the resolve to truly carry forward the mission of numerous PDA luminaries like Kanshiram is being revived, and the truth is that even those who, due to some compulsion, cannot openly express their stance or are forced to say what they never wished to say—they too are deeply happy within,” he said in a statement.

Akhilesh Yadav coined the acronym PDA to stand for ‘Pichhde’ (backward classes), Dalits, and ‘Alpsankhyak’ (minorities) in a bid to consolidate OBCs, Dalits and minorities.

He has directed his party leaders to celebrate Kanshi Ram’s birth anniversary on March 15 as ‘Bahujan Samaj Diwas or PDA Diwas’ at all district headquarters across Uttar Pradesh.

He also said that he honours the sworn relations, referring to the past when he addressed Mayawati as “bua” (aunt). Yadav said he holds respect for elders and maintains sworn relations.

“We always maintain sworn relations from the heart,” he said, referring to his past relations with Mayawati.

Mayawati, meanwhile, alleged that successive SP governments disrespected Kanshi Ram by changing the names of districts and institutions associated with him.

She cited the renaming of Kanshi Ram Nagar district and changes to institutions named after the BSP founder in districts, including Lucknow and Saharanpur.

“The SP and BJP have effectively fed off each other, becoming mutually convenient rivals while pursuing casteist and communal politics, which led to a BJP rule in the state,” Mayawati said, adding that BJP rule in UP has adversely affected Muslims and the Bahujan community.

The BSP chief even questioned why Kanshi Ram was not accorded due respect during his lifetime and why a day of state mourning was not declared after his demise.

“The SP must answer the Bahujan samaj,” she said, urging the Bahujan community to stay alert to the SP’s “anti-Dalit and casteist actions.

“The SP’s conduct, character and face have historically reflected disrespect towards leaders and icons of the Bahujan society,” Mayawati said, citing the 1993 BSP-SP alliance and the 1995 state guest house incident where she was attacked.

“Despite conditions laid down to curb atrocities against Dalits and other weaker sections, then chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav (and SP patriarch) did not alter his approach, which led the BSP to withdraw support on June 1, 1995,” Mayawati said, further referring to the June 2, 1995, state guest house incident in Lucknow, calling it a “recorded instance of brutality” where she was attacked.

However, Akhilesh Yadav hinted at external influences, saying it’s not always the person holding the pen who’s truly behind the words.

“…Sometimes, the one writing and the one who is getting it written are different,” he said, adding, that “often, negative and divisive political forces, in order to divide society and sustain their power, hatch such conspiracies and even compel people to do so.”