Another disappointment was Mayawati's one-hour long subdued speech in which she did not make any fiery remarks, but only subtly attacked her opponents.
Blue (BSP colour) and green (from Muslim organisations) flags were seen waving at the grounds as Mayawati spoke about a social engineering formula by bringing in Dalits, Muslims and the economically weaker sections of society to oust the Congress-led Nationalist Congress Party government from Maharashtra.
"After 60 years of Independence not much has changed in the economic status of Muslims and Dalits. They are still poor and unemployed. The worse part is they are tortured and harmed in many states by powerful people and the establishment," said Mayawati.
"I have therefore advocated reservation in jobs for Dalits, Muslims and the economically weaker sections from the upper castes in the private sector," she said amidst applause.
With elections in Maharashtra to be held in 2009 and traditional Dalit parties like Republican parties splitting into different groups and weakening, Mayawati is expecting to make a dent and corner some seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections.
Also read: Mayawati's plans to rule India
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