Maya's march to Delhi: But is she PM material?

EYE ON DELHI: Mayawati's ulitmate, long-term aim is to capture power in New Delhi.

          

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Rajdeep Sardesai

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Keywords: BSP, Dalits

She also pointed out a crucial concern in present-day UP - Is there really a social consensus between Dalits and Brahmins in UP? “Mayawati’s first step should be maintaining that coalition before moving on to other states,” she said, adding, “One must realise all states in India have different of caste equations and different levels of political developments so the same theory doesn’t apply to all.”

Many political observers and a section in the media has also likened Mayawati to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The premise: While both leaders have been successful in their respective states, none has been able to replicate the success in other states.

Chari rubbished the argument and said it was way too early to make such statements. “It’s not the question of success. Modi has proved himself in the past many years, Mayawati is yet to,” he said.

Kancha Illaiah explained the psychology behind Mayawati’s politics. “Her national ambitions are rooted in her politics. She is trying to organise Dalits arcoss the country and rope in other castes into that,” he said. Illaiah also said her alliance with the Brahmins was a tactical move but dismissed she was a divisive politician. “Is Mayawati more divisive or harmful than BJP?” he questioned.

Dalit PM: Has the time come?

The debate then moved to whether India needed a Dalit Prime Minister. Illaiah strongly advocated for it and said it was only fair that she was creating a “hope” for the Dalits - the weakest section of Indian society. “That’s the hope she has to create and that’s fair enough in politics,” he said.

Udit Raj of the Justice Party made an interesting point. “If she is expanding her base, Congress and SP are responsible for expansion it,” he said.