Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) national president Mayawati has strongly criticized the central government's proposed reduction in its financial contribution to a key new employment scheme, arguing that the burden of national programs should be borne by the Centre.
Opposition to Reduced Central Funding
The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister specifically targeted the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB-G RAM G), a scheme whose bill is currently before Parliament and is set to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Mayawati stated that it is natural for states to protest the proposed decrease in the Centre's share of funding from 90% to 60% under the new plan.
"It will impact the state governments," Mayawati warned during a national-level party meeting in New Delhi on Friday. She emphasized the long-term consequences, adding, "In the long run, it will also affect the benefits reaching the poor and needy through the scheme." Her core argument is that the financial responsibility for central or national schemes should rest solely with the Union government.
Election Preparedness and Organizational Directives
Beyond the policy critique, Mayawati used the meeting to issue key organizational instructions for her party. She announced that the BSP would celebrate Jan Kalyankari Diwas—which coincides with her birthday on January 15—at the divisional level across Uttar Pradesh. Senior party leaders and coordinators are expected to be present at these events.
She urged party members to treat the Self-Introduction Report (SIR) drive with utmost seriousness, suggesting that other organizational activities could be temporarily paused if necessary. "Members should complete SIR for themselves and assist others in completing it," she directed.
Focus on Electoral Integrity and Learning from Bihar
Mayawati underscored the power of the ballot, stating that votes are the tool to elevate the 'bahujans' from an exploited class to the ruling class. She called for strong measures to ensure elections are free and fair, devoid of the ill effects of money, muscle power, and government interference.
In a pointed remark, she highlighted the serious matter of government funds being distributed in Bihar just before the elections, implying an intention to influence results. She instructed all state units of the BSP to learn from the "unpleasant experience" of the Bihar polls and to be fully prepared to handle new circumstances that may arise during elections.
Proper training for party cadres on vote counting procedures was another key directive she issued. Mayawati also reviewed the implementation of previous instructions related to strengthening the party's financial base and organizing events dedicated to party icons.
