Don't let your votes get split by siding with Congress: BSP chief Mayawati appeals to Muslims

Mayawati made the appeal to the community in the first joint rally between the two parties which declared their alliance for the Lok Sabha polls few months ago.

Interestingly, the two parties have mostly opposed each over the years and are considered rivals in the political paradigm of Uttar Pradesh.

Sharing the stage with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and RLD supremo Ajit Singh, Mayawati, while addressing a rally in Muslim-dominated Deoband, said: "I want to make an open appeal here today. It is not the Congress but the alliance which is fighting the BJP in the polls. Congress wants to ensure the alliance does not win the polls. Congress is trying to help the BJP in this election.”

She even cited the example of Saharanpur and alleged that for the polls the Congress had brought in a Muslim face in the constituency at a later date only to cut the votes of the alliance.

She said that the alliance had finalised a Muslim candidate for the seat even before the Congress and others.

Attacking the PM and his 'chowkidaar' campaign, Mayawati said: "No matter how much the chhote, bade chowkidars try, the BJP will not be able to emerge victorious this time."

She even hit out at Congress supremo Rahul Gandhi for the NYAY scheme and said it is not a 'stable solution' to remove poverty.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav targeted Modi and said the 'chowkidar' will be removed from the post.

"We are going to ensure removal of chowkidars from all the chowkis," he said.

Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha polls will take place on Apr 11.

Image: Samajwadi Party Twitter page