‘Caste Discrimination Still Exists’: Mayawati Sounds Alarm Over SC, ST ‘Creamy Layer’

BSP supremo Mayawati on Sunday strongly opposed extending the ‘creamy layer’ concept to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), arguing that reservation is not merely an economic measure but a constitutional instrument aimed at social transformation and equality.

In a post on X, Mayawati described reservation as an “extremely important and sensitive” issue for SC, ST and OBC communities, particularly for SCs and STs who, she said, have endured centuries of discrimination, exploitation and social exclusion.

She argued that linking reservation eligibility for these communities to economic advancement would overlook the continuing impact of caste-based discrimination.

“Caste discrimination cannot be measured merely through economic progress,” Mayawati said, maintaining that the effects of historical discrimination continue to influence several aspects of the lives of affected communities.

The BSP leader also invoked the constitutional vision associated with Dr BR Ambedkar, saying reservation was intended to provide constitutional and legal equality to people who had been oppressed and marginalised under the caste system.

Mayawati sharply criticised the RSS over recent remarks by its chief Mohan Bhagwat, who had said reservation had become politicised and created bitterness in society and suggested that beneficiaries could voluntarily give up the benefits once they had achieved sufficient progress.

Describing this approach as reflecting a “casteist mindset”, Mayawati argued that it could undermine the broader constitutional objectives behind affirmative action.

She urged the Centre to present a strong legal case before the courts if it wanted SCs and STs to remain outside the scope of the creamy layer.

Mayawati also claimed that governments had sometimes failed to adequately represent their position in cases involving social transformation, resulting in courts not receiving sufficient arguments or effective legal assistance.