Mayawati blames Jats’ ‘casteist mentality’ and support for Congress for BSP defeat in Haryana

Addressing reporters in New Delhi on Wednesday, Mayawati said the Jat community in Haryana was upset with the BJP for the anti-farmer policies of its government in the state and at the Centre.

“Because of that, the majority of Jats voted for the Congress to stop the BJP from coming to power. Jats avoided dividing their votes among different alliances and the INLD-BSP alliance got their votes in almost negligible numbers as a result,” she said.

“BSP candidates did not get Jat votes because of the casteist mentality of the community. On the other hand, the BSP’s Dalit votes were completely transferred to INLD candidates,” the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister added.

Mayawati also cited a “rift within the Chautala family”, a political dynasty associated with the INLD, as a reason for Jat votes going to the Congress.

Mayawati observed that the elections were divided between Jat and non-Jat communities, which harmed the BSP and helped the BJP.

“We forged an alliance with the INLD. But we did not get Jat votes. They voted for the Congress en bloc. BSP candidates got only Dalit votes. If Jats had voted in even a small number, like 2-3 per cent, we could have won a few seats,” she said.

Mayawati also said that Jats’ mentality towards Dalits has changed in Uttar Pradesh but it has not completely changed in Haryana. “Their mentality will have to change as in UP, where Jats became MLAs and ministers in my government in 2007,” she said.