How Much pro-Dalit Has Been Mayawati?

 

How Much pro-Dalit Has Been Mayawati?

S.R. Darapuri, National President, All India People's Front

Mayawati became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh four times. Generally, it is expected that during this period she would have done a lot for the welfare of Dalits, but the ground reality is completely opposite to this, as is evident from the following examples: -

1.       Mayawati had banned the screening of the film "Teesri Azadi" made by Kanshiram through BAMCEF in Uttar Pradesh in 2007 because some people from the higher caste had objected to it. This ban continues even today.

2.       Mayawati had banned the sale of Periyar's book "Sachchi Ramayan” (A True Ramayana) in Uttar Pradesh in 2007 because some people from the public had objected to it.

3.       Mayawati had banned the installation of Dr. Ambedkar's statue in Uttar Pradesh even at a public place or private land without the permission of the District Magistrate, which is still in force.

4.       Mayawati had stopped reservation for SCs/STs in admission to sports college given by a Dalit officer (Harish Chandra IAS) with Mayawati's approval because the people of Sarvajan had objected to it saying that it will lead to decline in the level of sports. It is noteworthy that this reservation was not for admission in any team but only for admission in sports college. Mayawati had also blamed that the said officer had fraudulently taken my signature.

5.       Mayawati had issued an order issued by the same Dalit officer with Mayawati's approval that if any Dalit is living on any land (including village land) in a hut or house, then he should not be evicted but the said land should be transferred in his name. Some people of Sarvajan objected to this saying that this will give Dalits the right to occupy anyone's land, so Mayawati cancelled the said order saying that the said officer had got issued a wrong order with her approval   and removed Harish Chandra from the post of Revenue Secretary.

6.       In 1996, Kanshi Ram had announced to hold a “Periyar Mela” in Lucknow and install a statue of Periyar at Parivartan Chowk, but when BJP opposed it, neither Periyar Mela was held nor till date, not only Periyar’s statue, but not even a poster could be installed in Lucknow.

7.       Mayawati’s biggest blow to the Dalits of Uttar Pradesh was to stop the implementation of SC/ST Act in the case of atrocities on Dalits in 2001, saying that it was being misused. At that time, there were 21 crimes of atrocities in the said Act. In the order issued by Mayawati, it was to be applied only in two cases instead of 19: one murder and the other rape. In the case of rape too, there was a condition that it should first be certified by a medical examination. It is well known how much manipulation is done in the medical report in the case of rape of Dalit women. The police deliberately delays registration of the case  so that the evidence is destroyed. Due to this, Dalits had to suffer a double blow. Firstly, those who tortured Dalits were exempted from strict punishment and they continued to torture Dalits fearlessly. Secondly, the compensation given to Dalits under this Act in case of atrocities was also stopped. This anti-Dalit act which no non-Dalit Chief Minister had the courage to do, was done by Mayawati with full impunity. It is also worth mentioning that the SC/ST Act is a Central act and no state government has the power to make any change in it, but still Mayawati banned it with full arrogance. It is also worth mentioning that there is already a provision to act under Section 182 against the person who files a false case against someone.

Some Dalit organizations had challenged the above anti-Dalit illegal act of Mayawati in the Allahabad High Court and got it cancelled. But in the government order issued by Mayawati after this, while cancelling her previous government order, she again wrote that this Act should not be misused under any circumstances, the meaning of which the police understand very well.

8.       During Mayawati's rule, cases of atrocities on Dalits were not registered on the pretext that this would bring disrepute to the Mayawati government. Dalits had to bear the brunt of this. The best example of this is the burning of 18 houses of Dalits by Thakur people in Amethi. I was told about this by a BSP MLA himself. He told that when he met Mayawati regarding the police not registering a case of burning Dalit houses, Mayawati scolded him saying that this would bring disrepute to the government.

9.       In 2007, Faizabad (Bikapur) BSP MLA Anand Sen was accused of kidnapping and murdering Shashi, a Dalit law graduate student of Faizabad, but he was completely acquitted due to Mayawati's protection.

10.     In 2011, BSP MLA Purushottam Dwivedi was accused of kidnapping and rape of a minor backward caste girl, but no action was taken. On the contrary, the rape victim was accused of mobile theft and sent to jail. When there was a huge uproar against this bias of the Mayawati government, the case was handed over to the CBI and the MLA was arrested and sent to jail. Ultimately, he was sentenced by the court.

11.     It is well known that under the Right to Food Act, mid-day meals are being provided in all government primary and middle level schools as per the Supreme Court order. Dalit cooks are to be appointed on priority basis for cooking the mid-day meals. Under this order, some Dalit cooks were appointed in Uttar Pradesh. In 2007, when Mayawati became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh with a huge majority, the food cooked by a Dalit cook was boycotted in a village school in Sarojini Nagar block of Lucknow, the news of which was also published in the newspapers. Instead of taking punitive action against the students/parents who boycotted the food, the Mayawati government fired the Dalit cook. We, on behalf of the Ambedkar Mahasabha, tried a lot to get the Dalit cook reinstated but failed. Not only this, the Mayawati government even cancelled the government order to recruit Dalit cooks.

It is clear from the above examples how pro-Dalit Mayawati has been.

(http://dalitmukti.blogspot.com/search/label/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80)

A Mission for Equality: How SR Darapuri Shifted from IPS Officer to Social Crusader

 

A Mission for Equality: How SR Darapuri Shifted from IPS Officer to Social Crusader

( https://indianmasterminds.com/)

SR Darapuri's journey from a reluctant IPS officer to a fearless activist embodies his lifelong fight for justice and equality, driven by his courage, conviction, and unwavering commitment to uplift marginalized communities.

• Pallavi Priya
• October 19, 2024 
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Indian Masterminds Stories

In the quiet village of Darapur in Punjab, SR Darapuri’s early life unfolded in ways no one could have predicted. Born on December 16, 1943, into a Dalit family, the son of Naranjan Ram, Darapuri’s journey was destined to be far from ordinary. He would eventually rise to become one of the top-ranking police officers in Uttar Pradesh, only to shed his uniform in pursuit of a higher calling—a courageous fight for justice and equality for the oppressed.

But it wasn’t the badge that defined Darapuri. It was his relentless activism, deep spiritual awakening, and desire to change a system that he once had little regard for. His story is not just about a career in the IPS but also about a life driven by the pursuit of something far greater: the truth.

The Unexpected Call to Service

Darapuri’s early career was far from law enforcement. A Bachelor of Science graduate from Ramgharia College in Phagwara, he initially pursued a path in academia, working as a science lecturer. He then took up positions with the National Savings Organisation, the Ministry of Finance, and even the Customs Department in Bombay. But something always gnawed at him—a sense that he was meant for more than just a government job and a paycheck.

“I realized that just earning money was not my purpose,” Darapuri admitted. He hadn’t dreamed of joining the police force—quite the opposite. Growing up, his perception of the police was less than flattering. Yet, as he moved through life, he began to see how the system could be a tool for good. “I understood that police can help people if they do their job correctly. Police can give instant justice to common people.”

It was this revelation that pushed him to sit for the UPSC exams and join the Indian Police Service in 1972—a decision that would put him on a path he had never anticipated.

A Policeman with a Heart

Despite his initial misgivings, Darapuri’s years in the IPS were anything but ordinary. Rising to the rank of Inspector General of Police, he dedicated himself to the idea that policing was not just a job but a mission. “I worked in police as a mission. I tried to help people in whatever capacity I could, and in my private time, I kept my activism going,” he said.

He wasn’t content to be a bystander to injustice. Whether dealing with high-profile cases or working in sensitive areas, Darapuri earned a reputation for integrity. But his activism never took a back seat. Even as he climbed the ranks of the force, he worked behind the scenes to uplift Dalit communities, advocating for their rights and encouraging their participation in civil society.

In 2003, Darapuri retired from the police force. But instead of retreating into a quiet post-retirement life, he made an even bolder move—fully stepping into the world of activism and politics.

Spiritual Awakening: A Turn Towards Buddhism

Even as he served as a high-ranking officer, Darapuri’s spiritual quest never ceased. His life took a decisive turn in 1968 when he encountered the teachings of Buddha. It was a moment that changed everything for him. “Srimad Bhagwat Geeta had an impact on me & my ways of life,” he said. But the real transformation came when he began reading about Buddha and his Dhamma. “My life turned 180 degrees after that book.”

By 1993, Darapuri had officially converted to Buddhism, a choice that echoed his admiration for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his vision for Dalit empowerment. On October 14, 1995, he fully embraced the religion, making a public declaration of his faith. For Darapuri, Buddhism was more than just a spiritual refuge—it was a call to action, one that aligned with his work for social justice and human dignity.

The Activist Rises: A Fight for Justice

Darapuri’s post-retirement life is marked by the same fearlessness he showed as a policeman. He transitioned seamlessly into a role as a social activist and political figure, taking up the fight for Dalit rights and other marginalized communities with vigor. His efforts earned him national recognition, but they also landed him in trouble more than once.

As a member of the All India People’s Front (Radical), Darapuri found himself at the forefront of many social justice battles. He was an outspoken critic of the government and never hesitated to question the police system he once served. After the 2018 Kasganj violence and the 2019 Bulandshahr incident, he publicly criticized the police’s handling of the situations, challenging the system from which he had retired.

Darapuri’s activism came at a cost. In 2017, he was arrested for protesting against Yogi Adityanath’s policies. Two years later, he was again arrested during the anti-CAA protests in Uttar Pradesh, where he was placed under house arrest. Despite these attempts to silence him, Darapuri’s voice only grew louder.

A Life for Equality: Politics and Beyond

Darapuri’s journey into politics wasn’t a quest for power—it was a continuation of his activism. In 2009 and 2014, he contested the Lok Sabha elections, first from Lucknow and then from Robertsganj. Though he didn’t win, it was never about the position for Darapuri; it was about bringing attention to the issues that mattered most to him.

Today, as the National President of the All India People’s Front, Darapuri remains steadfast in his mission. His advocacy extends from fighting for the Right to Food and Education to leading movements like ‘Jaati Todo-Samaj Jodo,’ which seeks to dismantle caste barriers in India.

“I want to continue this fight for equality,” he says with the same passion that defined his early years. At 80, Darapuri shows no signs of slowing down, driven by the teachings of Buddha and the legacy of Ambedkar, fighting to make India a more just and equal place for all.