Centre, UP government trying to end reservation: Rajbhar

State cabinet minister and SBSP president Om Prakash Rajbhar on Wednesday supported the statement of BSP chief Mayawati that the BJP government at the Centre and in UP were hatching a conspiracy to end reservation.

“Before the elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promised share to the backwards in reservation. But now a conspiracy is being hatched to end reservation from backdoor. They (state government) are planning department wise recruitment,” Rajbhar said addressing media persons at circuit house here.

The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) president said the backward classes would not get benefit of reservation in department wise recruitment.

“Suppose there are just 2-3 vacancies in a department, how will dalits and backwards get reservation? Indirect exploitation has already begun (under this government),” Rajbhar said.

“Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati has said the BJP government is conspiring to end reservation. She is right. If the government’s intention is clear, why doesn’t it ensure division in 27 per cent reservation to give share to backward, most backward, mahadalit and ati-dalit,” Rajbhar asked.

He said every party made tall claims about taking steps for the welfare of the poor, dalits, and backwards, but in reality, they forgot their promises after the elections.

Speaking about pre-poll alliances among political parties, Rajbhar said the BSP and the SP had seen the consequences of having an alliance with the Congress.

“Mayawati wants to become prime minister, therefore, she is entering an alliance. Rahul Gandhi also wants to become prime minister, he is forming another alliance. However, only that leader will become the PM whose party will have the required number of MPs,” he said.

Rajbhar said during her tenure, Mayawati banned lottery in Uttar Pradesh. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi should announce a ban on liquor across the country as it is ruining the lives of poor people,” he said.

Questioning the posting of upper caste policemen in police stations, Rajbhar said strong governments ignored the poor.

“There are 26 police stations in Varanasi out of which 21 are being headed by policemen belonging to upper castes. At least 13 out of 16 police stations in Chandauli, 21 of 26 in Ghazipur and 22 of 26 in Jaunpur are headed by upper caste policemen,” he said.

“Dalit and backward communities’ officers are good and intelligent but they don’t get postings. Dalits and backward communities played crucial role in struggle for freedom but they are still being oppressed,” Rajbhar said.

He added whenever fight for the rights of dalits gains momentum, another issue is raked up to divert it.

“Why the issue of unemployment is not being discussed,” he asked.