Don't feel obliged to vote for BJP for free rations: Mayawati

Mayawati. File pic

BSP leader Mayawati has encouraged impoverished voters not to feel compelled to vote for the BJP since they receive free food from the central government. Speaking at an election event, she emphasised that the rations are sponsored by taxpayers and not as a personal favour from Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP.

"Since some time, the BJP-led centre has been providing small amounts of ration to the poor families and during elections, the BJP and RSS people go to villages and ask them to repay the debt by giving their votes to the BJP," Mayawati said.

Mayawati emphasised the importance of creating jobs to help the impoverished. She promised that if given the chance, her party's government would prioritise tackling unemployment issues.

"People should not get misguided by this as the free ration being provided is not coming from the pockets of Prime Minister Narendra Modi or BJP, but from the taxpayers' money. You need not think that it has to be repaid. This is your own money," Mayawati added.

Mayawati criticised the Samajwadi Party for influencing candidate selection based on religious demographics. She emphasised that her party provides fair representation without prejudice.

"This is the character of the Samajwadi Party. In Budaun, which has a sizable Muslim population, the SP decided that the candidate would be that of 'their own family, of their own caste'," she said.

Mayawati further chastised both the Congress and the BJP for politicising investigation institutions and failing to deliver on their pledges. She advised citizens to vote for BSP candidates and warned against falling for empty promises offered by rival parties.

She urged voters to support BSP candidates in Badaun, Aonla, and Sambhal constituencies, ensuring their victory in the May 7 Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

With PTI inputs