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Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, recently expressed disappointment over Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati’s decision to contest elections independently instead of aligning with the Congress.
Speaking at the Mool Bharti hostel in his constituency of Raebareli, he suggested that if Mayawati had joined forces with Congress and the Samajwadi Party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would not have secured victory.
During his interaction with students, Rahul Gandhi questioned why Mayawati was not actively contesting elections in a way that could challenge the ruling party effectively.
He mentioned that Congress had wanted her to be part of the INDIA alliance but that, for reasons unknown, she chose otherwise. He reiterated that the doors of the opposition coalition remain open for her.
Mayawati, however, responded sharply to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks. In a post on X, she accused the Congress of having a double standard when it came to alliances.
She claimed that while Congress expresses a willingness to ally with BSP in states where it is weak, it maintains a hostile and casteist attitude towards the party and its supporters in states where it holds power.
She also pointed out that previous alliances between BSP and Congress had always been disadvantageous to her party.
She alleged that while BSP’s core voters transferred their votes to Congress during elections, the Congress base did not reciprocate the same level of support for BSP, resulting in electoral losses. This, she suggested, was one of the key reasons for BSP’s decision to contest elections independently.
The Congress, along with the Samajwadi Party, contested the 2024 parliamentary elections as part of the INDIA alliance, while BSP fought separately. The political dynamics in Uttar Pradesh remain complex, with regional parties playing a crucial role in shaping electoral outcomes.
Rahul Gandhi also used the occasion to address students on the significance of active political participation. He urged them to recognise their rights and contribute to the country’s development.
He emphasised that the Constitution guarantees equal opportunities to all citizens and encouraged students to take advantage of these rights to shape their future.
In his speech, he also highlighted the importance of learning English. He criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP leaders for advocating Hindi while ensuring that their own children receive an education in English-medium schools or even study abroad.
He suggested that those in power discourage marginalised communities from learning English to maintain their dominance.
He described English as a tool of empowerment that enables people to access opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings, whether in India or abroad.
Rahul Gandhi pointed out that English is the dominant language in business, international politics, and corporate settings, reinforcing its importance for aspiring students.
He argued that denying access to English education limits opportunities for Dalits, backward communities, and economically weaker sections of society.
He concluded by stating that those in power deliberately attempt to exclude disadvantaged groups from English education, ensuring that their own children retain an advantage. He encouraged students to view English as a powerful means of breaking social and economic barriers.
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi also unveiled a statue of Rana Beni Madhav Singh, a historical figure known for his role in the 1857 rebellion.
His visit to Raebareli reinforced his focus on social justice, youth empowerment, and political awareness, aligning with his broader strategy to connect with grassroots communities ahead of future political battles.
