In an attempt to win support of all the communities in the state, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati played the reservation card at her rally in Jaipur on Sunday. She extended support to the Gurjjar community’s demand of ST status, pacified the Meena community by stating that Gurjjars would not be allowed to chew into their quota and promised the Brahmins and the Rajputs reservations based on socio-economic criteria.

“Gurjjars are right in demanding reservations, but the Meenas should not suffer because of this move. If the BSP comes to power, I assure you that the overall quota for ST would be increased, which will ensure equal opportunities for both Meenas and Gurjjars,” said Mayawati, addressing one lakh people at the BSP’s Sarv Saman Bhairchara Rally.

This was BSP’s first major event in Rajasthan since 2003. Addressing the rally, Mayawati pronounced the beginning of her election campaign in the state. “You need to bring the BSP to power. You have to ensure that both the BJP rule in the state and the Congress rule in the Centre comes to an end,” she said, adding, “The BJP in Rajasthan has created misunderstanding and differences between the different communities, especially the Gurjjars and the Meenas. The issue of reservations can be handled without hurting the sentiments of any community.”

Said Satish Misra, BSP’s Brahmin-face, “The notion that the party does not cater to the needs of the upper castes is wrong. It is an all-caste party which is aware of the needs of society.”