BSP MLA Becomes ‘Political Refugee’ As Mayawati Suspends Legislator For Supporting Pro-Refugee CAA In MP 

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati has suspended Ramabai Parihar, party legislator from Patharia in Madhya Pradesh for supporting the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Rama Bai had on Saturday (28 December) evening supported the CAA at a function in the presence of Union Minister Prahlad Patel in her constituency Patharia. Patel had acknowledged and appreciated her support.

In her tweet Mayawati said BSP is a disciplined party which takes immediate action on breaking party discipline. Mayawati has barred Ramabai from taking part in party programs.

Mayawati said BSP first opposed the citizenship law by calling it divisive and unconstitutional. A memorandum was also given to the President in this regard. Yet MLA Ramabai supported the law. Ramabai has often made news through controversial statements that have gone against the party. She has been warned to walk on the party line several times.

Rambai, however,said, "Her statement was distorted. He said the BSP spirit runs in her bloodstream and she would remain with the party till last breath."

My statement was wrongly presented by the media. She said she was in touch with Mayawati and would placate her.

In a video that has gone viral Ramabai thanked Prime Minister Modi for the Citizenship Amendment Act. She said the Act should have come long ago. Some people of Muslim community are spreading violence while opposing the law. They apparently do not understand it. There are wiser people in the community who are not opposing. Some leaders with vested interests are provoking others against the Act.

The minority Congress government which depends on Ramabai's support should sit up and take notice of the developments.

Ramabai said, "I have expressed my personal opinion. It has nothing to do with Congress. I am only concerned with Kamal Nathji and not his party. If we consider the personal opinion of Kamal Nath ji, he might also support the law. The party membership prevents Kamal Nath ji from opposing the law."

Ramabai has earlier talked about being denied a ministerial berth in the government. In May this year, Ramabai had alleged the BJP had tried to lure her with a ministerial position and money to topple the Kamal Nath government. She claimed some people were being offered up to Rs 50 crore to back the BJP.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)