Maurya and PM Modi Criticize Congress and SP for Socio-Economic Imbalances in UP, Emphasize Muslims Benefited More
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Maurya has alleged that the previous governments formed by the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP) have caused social and economic disparities in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, by favoring the Muslim community over Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs). Maurya has labeled Congress as the “originator” of the country’s key problems over the past several decades. He claims that Congress’s ideology has been primarily driven by the divisive narrative of ‘Musalmanon ka saath, Musalmanon ka vikas’ (Support Muslims, Develop Muslims).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also joined the chorus of criticism against the Congress, accusing the party of seeking to give Muslims preferential access to the country’s resources. According to Modi, this policy has resulted in socio-economic imbalances, with Muslims benefiting significantly more than other communities under Congress-led governments and their allies like the Samajwadi Party. Modi contends that such policies have deprived SC/STs and OBCs of their rightful share of resources and benefits.
In response to these accusations, the Congress has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that its policies have been fair and equitable to all communities. The party has also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of playing divisive politics and using religion to polarize voters.
The debate over socio-economic imbalances and the role of religion in politics is likely to intensify as India approaches the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP and the Congress, along with other political parties, will seek to woo voters by highlighting their respective policies and agendas, and by addressing the concerns and aspirations of different communities.
