Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lashed at the Samajwadi Party regime charging itof trying to prevent him from addressing a rally of Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti (DS 4) in lucknow.
Nitish Kumar was invited by BSP rebel leader RK Choaudhary to address a rally atthe Bijli Pasi Qila on Tuesday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dalit icon Shahuji Maharaj of Kolhapur (Maharashtra).
“I am told that the ruling SP claims to be the disciples of Dr Ram Manohar lohia but they tried to sabotage my plan to address the rally on the pretext that ‘snakes could bite me’. I am touring UP and I have addressed several rallies which has unsettled many people in UP,” said Kumar.
The Bihar CM said, “We too are disciples of Dr lohia. The Bihar government has implemented 50 per cent reservation for women in urban local bodies and Panchyati Raj institutions phenomenally contributing to empowerment of women. Since 2006, more than 50 per cent women are being elected to these two bodies.’’
“Following Dr lohia and Karpoori Thakur, the Bihar government has taken steps for overall economic and social empowerment of the OBCs and Dalits. We have classified reservation for OBCs as backwards, extremely backward and most backward so that the benefit of 20 per cent reservation reaches all communities listed as OBSs,’’ said Kumar.
He asked, “Are any such things being done in UP or all the benefits of quota for OBCs are being cornered by one particular caste among the OBCs IJ’’
Without naming the SP, the Bihar CM said, ``I have come to know that some leaders here are perturbed over my visits to UP. I fail to understand why they were feeling insecure without rhyme or reason.’’
Kumar said, “Gandhi ji had said that if you want to test the efficacy of any policy and scheme, then you must find out whether it was benefitting people at the lowest end of the economic and social hierarchy. I am told that the people in UP are happy with my demand for prohibition on liquor in the state.’’
“For social emancipation of Dalits, my government has classified quota for schedule caste as Dalits and Maha Dalits which has benefitted the lowest among the low,’’ the Bihar CM informed.
Praising former BSP leader RK Chaudhary, Nitish Kumar said, “I am happy to see that Chaudhary is carrying forward the unfinished agenda of Dr Ambedkar and Kanshiram for the empowerment of Bahujan Samaj.’’
In an obvious criticism of BSP chief Mayawati, the Bihar CM said, “Merely raising slogans to garner votes will not work. One must have the ability to lead and take people along, otherwise the goal of empowering Bahujan Samaj will be rendered difficult.’’
Indicating possible electoral tie-up with Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti (DS 4) floated by Chaudhary, Kumar said, “Janata Dal (U) will work with DS4. We will fight for Bahujan Samaj and take the battle to a logical conclusion.”
Addressing the rally, RK Chaudhary said, “Several years ago, a rally was held at the Bijlee Pasi Qila ground where Mayawati was present. Some people raised slogans for me which so enraged the BSP chief that she expelled me from the party.’’
Accusing Mayawati of selling out the mission of Dr Ambedkar and Kanshiram, Chaudhary said,”Mayawati has turned the BSP into a real estate company where committed cadres have no place. They have been replaced by liquor barons, contractors, real estate developers and mafia, who are ruling the roost.’’
Earlier on his arrival at the Chaudhary Charan Singh airport in lucknow, Nitish Kumar was given a warm welcome by leaders of DS 4 and state JD (U) chief Suresh Niranjan.