Mayawati Opposes 'Creamy Layer' for SCs, STs in Reservation, Hits Out at RSS

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has strongly opposed the application of the 'creamy layer' concept to reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), asserting that affirmative action is fundamentally linked to their social transformation, economic emancipation, and self-respect.

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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.

In a statement on X, Mayawati described reservation as a vital and sensitive issue for SC, ST, and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities. She argued that introducing a 'creamy layer' for SCs and STs is not only inappropriate but also contradicts the constitutional "humanitarian objectives" championed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. She emphasized that reservation aims to restore constitutional and legal rights to those historically subjected to discrimination, exploitation, and deprivation.

Mayawati also directed criticism towards RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent remarks suggesting that reservation has been politicized and that beneficiaries should voluntarily forgo their benefits. She characterized the RSS stance as indicative of a "casteist mindset" that could undermine constitutional goals for narrow political gains. She stressed that caste discrimination's impact extends beyond economic status, affecting all life aspects for its victims.

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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 urged the current government to effectively advocate before the courts to keep SC and ST communities outside the scope of the creamy layer, suggesting that inadequate government responses and legal representation often hinder courts from delivering appropriate justice in matters of social transformation. Mayawati called on the RSS to respect the Constitution and cease advocating for changes to the reservation system, advocating instead for cooperation to achieve an "equalitarian social order."

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It would be better if the RSS, while fully respecting the humanitarian and welfare-oriented Constitution of Baba Saheb Dr BR Ambedkar, stops politicising reservation and also stops advocating any interference with the reservation system.