Mayawati sacks top BSP-worker after comments on "foreigner" Rahul Gandhi
As the opposition attempts to forge a unity to take on the BJP, BSP Chief Mayawati has made her political priorities clear. One day after the party national coordinator Jai Prakash Singh dismissed Rahul Gandhi's chances of becoming the PM due to his "mother's foreign origin," he has been removed from the position. His stance is "at variance with the BSP's ideology," she said.
Foreign blood flows in Rahul's body: Singh
Singh had made the controversial comments at BSP's first workers' conference yesterday. "Rahul looks more like his mother than his father. His mother is a foreigner. Foreign blood flows in his body. Because of this, I can say he can never succeed in Indian politics."
Mayawati only 'dabang' leader, should become PM: Singh
Singh instead projected Mayawati as the PM candidate. "She's the only 'dabang' (fearless) leader who can stop the winning chariot of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah," he said. "She's not only a towering Dalit leader but also has the support of all communities." BSP state president RS Kushwaha agreed. "During HD Kumaraswamy's oath-taking, opposition leaders rallied behind Mayawati. This clearly indicates she's playing a pivotal role," he said.
Mayawati responds to controversy
Singh's public support for Mayawati backfired. "He's taken a stance at variance with BSP's ideology, and also made personal remarks against the leadership of rival parties. As this is his personal opinion, he has been removed from his post with immediate effect," Mayawati said today.
Singh's comments hint at disagreement, might impact alliance
Party sources told DNA that Singh's comments may cost Mayawati and the party dearly, especially ahead of the crucial 2019 battle. If she accepted his statements, her chances of roping in Congress for an anti-Modi alliance in UP, along with SP and RLD, might be hit. If an alliance did work out, Singh's comments hinted that the opposition had no consensus on a PM candidate.
Meanwhile, BJP takes the chance to slam BSP and Congress
Congress hasn't yet commented on the controversy, but BJP grabbed the opportunity. "Anyone can dream of becoming PM these days, even if they don't have a single seat in the Lok Sabha. A leader with 44 seats like Rahul Gandhi is dreaming of becoming the PM and a leader like Mayawati, with no seat, is also dreaming," said Anil Baluni, BJP Rajya Sabha member.
