File Photo: BSP chief Mayawati (Press Trust of India)
Charging Narendra Modi government with following UPA's footsteps, BSP surpemo Mayawati today said one year of NDA rule was "disappointing" as people experienced "bad days".
"With its faulty policies and acts, the Modi government's one year is disappointing as it has shown only bad days to people. The hope shown by the government to people is waning.
BJP and its supporters are now raking up Ram temple issue though the matter is pending before court," she told reporters in Lucknow.
"The present government is also like previous UPA government on issues of national and public interest. People are realising that both Congress and BJP are two sides of the same coin and both are running on directions of capitalists.
The acts and deeds of both parties are different," she noted.
Stating that BJP MPs were so "arrogant" due to the party's majority, Mayawati said they even did not want to do "self-introspection" and change themselves.
"Due to this, the common man and even their supporters want to get rid of them. Even media surveys are showing bubble of the 'Modi Magic' has burst," she said.
Terming as "eyewash" Centre schemes like Jan Dhan, Jivan Jyoti and "much publicised" insurance scheme, Mayawati said poor people are being shown "dreams" with these schemes on which Centre was "not spending a single penny".
Accusing the Modi government of terrorising religious minorities in the country, Mayawati said, "Apprehensions that this government will create Gujarat like atmosphere of terror have proved true.
Muslims and Christians are feeling insecure due to which the image of India abroad has been maligned."
Opposing ban on entry of non-Hindus in Somnath temple, Mayawati said it would vitiate communal atmosphere.
Claiming that Modi government was not cooperating with state governments, Mayawati said there was a general perception in this regard that contrary to the touted state support, the states were not getting their due.
"Citing examples of appointment of governors without consulting states, border pact with Bangladesh without taking chief ministers of northeast states into confidence...Modi believes more in spreading fear and show of strength," she said.
On Modi's statement that image of India has improved abroad, Mayawati said, "When he says so, whom is he referring to. The countrymen do not feel so."
Asked about the murder of a journalist allegedly at the behest of a UP minister, Mayawati said he should have been arrested on the very first day.
Taking potshots at Modi and UP CM Akhilesh Yadav for their foreign tours, Mayawati said it seems there was a competition between them on embarking on foreign tours.
She likened their tours to Nero playing fiddle while Rome burned, to drive home the point that both were not serious on issues related to common man.
The BSP supremo made a slip of tongue when she said, "It's a case of Rome burning while Romeo fiddled" and her goof up drew instant comments on social media.
About UP government, Mayawati said in the past over three years of SP regime, people are fed up and want to rid themselves of the misrule.
"The Samajwadi party has also realised that it will not come back to power in the next assembly polls due to which its workers are involved in land grabbing, loot and other crimes," she claimed.