Mayawati Criticizes SP for Casteist Politics in Uttar Pradesh

Mayawati, the BSP leader, has accused the Samajwadi Party of narrow casteist politics, highlighting their past actions of changing district names associated with Dalit and OBC leaders. She expressed gratitude for the restoration of 'Sant Ravidas Nagar' and called for the reinstatement of other significant names. Mayawati emphasized her administration's efforts to honor great figures from these communities during her tenure as Chief Minister. Her remarks reflect ongoing tensions in Uttar Pradesh's political landscape, particularly regarding caste representation and recognition.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 31, 2026, 16:23 IST

Mayawati's Accusations Against SP

On Friday, Mayawati, the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) of harboring narrow casteist views. She pointed out that during its previous tenure, the SP altered the names of several districts named after Dalit and OBC leaders in Uttar Pradesh. The former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh expressed gratitude towards the current government led by Yogi Adityanath for restoring the name 'Sant Ravidas Nagar' (Bhadohi) and urged for the reinstatement of other historical names, including Kanshiram Nagar (Kasganj).

Social Media Allegations

In a post on the social media platform 'X', she claimed that the SP government acted with malice and narrow political motives by reversing the naming decisions made during the BSP's rule. Mayawati noted that media reports confirm the current UP government has reinstated the district status of 'Sant Ravidas Nagar', which was originally established by the BSP government as the district headquarters for Bhadohi. The SP government had previously changed its name due to its casteist mindset, but it has now been restored as 'Sant Ravidas Nagar'. The BSP expresses its appreciation for this restoration.

BSP's Legacy and Administrative Reforms

Mayawati highlighted that during her four terms as Chief Minister, she focused on improving administration and honoring great saints and leaders born in the Dalit and OBC communities by creating districts like Sant Ravidas Nagar, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Nagar, and Bhim Nagar. She remarked that the SP's decision to change these names is something that 'people will never forget'.

Administrative Developments Under BSP

She further elaborated that throughout her four terms, the BSP established numerous new districts, tehsils, development blocks, as well as police zones and ranges to enhance administrative efficiency and serve public interests. Many of these districts were named after prominent saints and leaders from the Dalit and OBC communities. However, the SP government changed these names due to its casteist ideology and narrow politics—an act that will not be forgotten by the people.

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