Mayawati, the supremo of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, responded sharply on Thursday (21 December) to comments from various political parties regarding her not joining the opposition INDI Alliance. She also indicated that she is not currently inclined to join the opposition alliance.

According to Jagran, Mayawati stated, “Other parties should focus on saving themselves. It cannot be predicted when a party may be needed for the public good in the future, so unnecessary statements should be avoided to prevent embarrassment.”

She reminded everyone of the coalition formed with the Samajwadi Party (SP) in 2019, despite significant differences of opinion, and emphasised that it is a living example that any party may need any party.

Notably, the SP had reportedly urged the Congress to not include BSP in the alliance in UP. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge then assured that it will contest elections in alliance only with SP and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in the state.

Mayawati criticised the suspension of MPs in both houses of Parliament, stating that it is the responsibility of both the government and the opposition to ensure the smooth functioning of the houses.

“While any wrongdoer should be held accountable, such a high number of suspended MPs is not a commendable record in parliamentary history,” she said.

Mayawati also expressed concern about the violence in the parliamentary complex and urged the intelligence agencies to remain vigilant to prevent such incidents in the future.

She lamented the viral video imitating Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar by suspended MPs in the parliamentary premises, considering it distressing.

She expressed her support for the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya next month, stating that the BSP has no objection to it. Additionally, she affirmed that her party would support the inauguration of a mosque whenever it happens.

Mayawati emphasised that the BSP is a secular party that respects all religions. However, she criticised the use of religion in politics over the past few years, stating that it is not appropriate.