Mayawati Takes Dig at SP’s Blue Dress Code, Says ‘Blue Colour’ Cannot Change Casteist Mindset

Lucknow : Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Friday took an apparent jibe at the new dress code of Samajwadi Party's students wing, saying that the "blue colour" cannot change the mindset that has persisted for years towards all sections of society, especially the poor, Dalits, tribals, backward classes, and other neglected groups.

In a post on X in Hindi on Friday, Mayawati said, "The mere adoption of the blue colour --- long associated with the BSP --- by leaders and workers of the SP, Congress, and other opposition parties as 'gamchas', or the use of blue fabric on the stage, cannot change the casteist, narrow-minded, feudal, and capitalist mindset they have harboured for years toward society at large, and specifically toward the poor, Dalits, Adivasis, the backward classes, and other marginalized sections. Nor are these people truly Ambedkarites at heart or in name."

Therefore, for the true welfare and interests of the 'Bahujan Samaj,' they must first purify their hearts and minds, she said.

Intensifying her attack further, she said, "In any case, these people habitually change colours like chameleons, when it comes to the issues of these sections (of the society) --- meaning they say one thing and do exactly the opposite. Especially in the case of the SP's PDA, their thinking, conduct, character, and face have always been two-sided and dishonest, with numerous examples that everyone knows. Therefore, the only true well-wisher and Ambedkarite party for these sections is solely the BSP, which is well-known to all."

Mayawati's statement came days after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said that the party's student wing has adopted a blue T-shirt and jeans as its new dress code and will launch a two-week student awareness campaign to connect with young people in educational institutions.

Addressing a press conference here, Yadav said the Chhatra Sabha would reach out to students not only to enrol them as members but also to familiarise them with the Samajwadi Party's ideology and socialist values.

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"The new generation has a new way of thinking. Therefore, there should also be a new uniform. With the new uniform of blue T-shirt and jeans, our Chhatra Sabha workers will go among students and youth and connect them with the party," the Lok Sabha MP said.

He said a two-week student awareness week would be organised during which members of the student wing would visit campuses, universities, colleges and hostels.

"They will not only enrol students as members but will also take the Samajwadi Party's ideology to them and explain how they can associate themselves with the party," he said.

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The former chief minister said the dress was not just about appearance but represented the party's ideology and values.

"A uniform is not just a uniform. When we come in a uniform, inequality disappears and a sense of uniformity is visible. Uniform brings uniformity," he said.

Explaining the choice of blue, Yadav said the colour was associated with ideology, democracy, the Constitution, the sky, the 'Bahujan samaj' and Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Earlier, Chhatra Sabha workers used to wear red shirts or kurtas.