Mayawati opposes creamy layer for SC/STs, accuses RSS of politicising quota
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Sunday opposed the application of the 'creamy layer' concept to reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), arguing that affirmative action is linked to their social transformation, economic emancipation, and self-respect. She also criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for politicising the issue.
In a post on X, Mayawati described reservation as an "extremely important and sensitive" matter for SC, ST, and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities, particularly for SCs and STs who have faced discrimination, exploitation, and deprivation for centuries. She said that discussing a creamy layer for these communities is not only inappropriate but also contrary to the "humanitarian objectives" of the Constitution drafted under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
"Reservation is essentially about giving millions of people who have been victims of the caste system for centuries, and who have been exploited, oppressed, neglected and ostracised, their constitutional and legal right to equality on humanitarian grounds," she said.
Mayawati's remarks come in response to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent statement that reservation had been deliberately politicised, creating bitterness in society, and that beneficiaries should voluntarily give up their benefits. She described the RSS position as reflecting a "casteist mindset" and said it might serve narrow political interests but would undermine constitutional objectives.
"Caste discrimination cannot be measured merely through economic progress. Its impact continues to affect every aspect of the lives of those who have suffered from it," she said.
Mayawati also noted that successive governments at the Centre were aware of the "ground reality" and urged the present government to effectively argue its case before the courts if it wanted SCs and STs to be kept outside the scope of the creamy layer. "If the government, based on valid arguments, effectively presents its case and persuades the court to keep the SC and ST communities outside the creamy layer, it would be entirely appropriate and constitutional," she said.
She alleged that courts are often unable to deliver appropriate justice in matters concerning social transformation because of inadequate government responses and a lack of effective legal representation.
Mayawati also urged the RSS to respect the Constitution and stop advocating any changes to the reservation system. "It would be better if the RSS, while fully respecting the humanitarian and welfare-oriented Constitution of Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, stops politicising reservation and also stops advocating any interference with the reservation system," she said.
She called for cooperation in fulfilling the constitutional objective of establishing an "equalitarian social order," saying it was the need of the hour.
