BJP fails to cramp Maya’s Dalit plans

Despite a coalition government with the BJP, CM Mayawati — judging by the Governor’s address to the joint session of both Assembly...

Despite a coalition government with the BJP, CM Mayawati — judging by the Governor’s address to the joint session of both Assembly Houses — has made it clear she is not ready to compromise her Dalit agenda.

The address said the state would allocate funds for the development of SCs/STs in proportion to their population in 2002-03 Annual Plan and in the Tenth Plan. For SC\ST students, scholarships would be available up to Class 10 and hostel facilities be provided at every tehsil.

And ashram-type schools up to Class 12 would soon be constructed for students belonging to the families of safai workers.

Story continues below this ad

‘‘The interests of Buddhists, Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis, and Christians will be protected. The Mayawati government believes criminals belong behind bars,’’ the address read. Ironically, many with criminal backgrounds have won on BSP tickets.

Governor Vishnu Kant Shastri said the government would soon constitute the state women’s commission to safeguard dignity of women, prevent atrocities, and suggest necessary amendments in laws.’’

The address did not spare the Rajnath Singh and other BJP governments. ‘‘Financially, the state is in the ruins, unproductive expenditure has risen, and productive expenditure dropped .’’

Amid noisy protests by the Opposition, the Governor arrived at 11 am, congratulated the members, read the first and last sentences of his address and left the House.