UP Elections 2022: Mayawati calls SP 'anti-Dalit' party amid mass defections

"The SP's past record shows it always took an anti-Dalit approach," Mayawati said. She sought to know why the Akhilesh Yadav-led party renamed Sant Ravidas Nagar to Bhadohi soon after assuming power in 2012.

Lucknow: As several leaders from the BJP shifted allegiance to the Samajwadi Party (SP) saying it worked for the Dalits and backward classes, BSP supremo Mayawati on Saturday pooh-poohed the claim saying the party's past record shows its "anti-Dalit" approach.

Mayawati also clarified that she would not contest the Assembly elections, but take the legislative council route, if her party is voted to power.

Addressing a press conference on her birthday, she announced the names of 53 BSP candidates for constituencies that would go to the polls in the first phase on February 10.