UP chief minister Mayawati denied allegations of her government having misused the NREGA funds in Uttar Pradesh and said that the Congress was projecting the NREGA as its own scheme whereas all parties had passed the Act and therefore the Congress alone will not claim the credit for it.
“If the BSP forms the government at the Centre, it will ensure 365 days of work to poor people, instead of 100 days work, which the Congress government is offering under NRGEA at present. I assure you that if I become Prime Minister, I will amend this rural employment scheme to ensure that work is guaranteed for all 365 days,” she said.
She also rubbished Mr Rahul Gandhi’s assurance that if voted to power, the Congress will change UP within 10 years.
“If the Congress could not develop UP in 40 years, what can they achieve in the next 10 years?” she asked.
Ms Mayawati also slammed the Opposition parties for promoting their dynasties in politics. “I have never promoted my family embers in politics. My family members will remain in the party till the time they do not display greed for posts and facilities. The moment they seek positions, I will severe all ties with them,” she said.
To reassure dalits who form the traditional vote base of the BSP, Ms Mayawati said, “In the next 10-15 years, only dalits or backwards will become the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. However, upper castes will be considered for the top post only after the financial, educational and social status of these deprived communities improves considerably.”
The chief minister, as always, warned her voters to beware of the “manuwadi media” that spreads misinformation and often tries to mislead the innocent voters.
Through the rally, Ms Mayawati made it clear to her voters that she will continue to rule the state despite the campaign against her by the Opposition parties, particularly the Congress.