Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President Mayawati condemned governments and political parties for manipulating the teachings of saints and eminent figures for political gains. On Sant Guru Shri Ravidas Jayanti, she emphasized that exploiting saints’ wisdom for electoral purposes has eroded peace and social unity. Mayawati honored Sant Ravidas and conveyed her regards to his followers worldwide, highlighting his message of spiritual purity leading to social change.
She underscored that Sant Ravidas’ philosophy, encapsulated in ‘Man changa to kathauti me Ganga,’ should drive societal transformation, not just religious rituals. Mayawati criticized the authorities for reducing his profound teachings to mere rituals rather than integrating them into governance and public life. She praised Sant Ravidas for championing equality and justice, combating casteism and social injustices.
Mayawati accused political parties of exploiting Sant Ravidas’ principles during elections while neglecting his followers’ welfare. She stressed that his teachings emphasize social service and awareness, not power-centric politics. Mayawati raised concerns over the renaming of Bhadohi district to Sant Ravidas Nagar by the BSP government, alleging caste bias by subsequent administrations for reverting the decision.
The BSP leader highlighted various initiatives undertaken to honor Sant Ravidas, including establishing educational institutions and naming public structures after the saint. She criticized past governments for overlooking marginalized communities’ icons until political awakening forced recognition. Mayawati cautioned against parties using saints’ names for electoral gains without genuine commitment to social justice and progress. She urged adherence to Sant Ravidas and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s principles for achieving true equality and prosperity.
