Haryana's Political Shake-Up: Dalit Deputy CM Promised by BSP-INLD Alliance

BSP supremo Mayawati has announced that Haryana will have a Dalit deputy chief minister if the BSP-INLD alliance wins the upcoming October 5 polls. Mayawati also emphasized the importance of a caste census and outlined various welfare measures promised by INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala should they come to power.

In a significant political move, Mayawati, the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), declared that Haryana would have a Dalit deputy chief minister if the BSP-INLD alliance secures a win in the October 5 elections. This announcement was made during a public gathering in Uchana, Jind, coinciding with the 111th birth anniversary of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal.

With Mayawati stressing the necessity of a caste census, she said, ''A deputy chief minister from the Dalit community will be from the BSP, while another will be from other backward classes or upper caste.'' She appealed to the central government to conduct this census, a demand previously shelved by the Congress and currently stalled by the BJP-led government.

Accompanying Mayawati at the event, INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala outlined several welfare initiatives, including free cooking gas cylinders, a monthly cash allowance of Rs 1,100 for households, free electricity, and the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme. Additionally, he assured residents of free treatment for out-of-state medical needs and promised free 100-square-yard plots to the economically disadvantaged. Haryana's election results are expected on October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)