Elam Maya!

Empress of Untouchables, ruler of India? - Aakar Patel

Mayawati: The Rise of India's Caste Warrior-  Jeremy Kahn

It seems in this election Mayawati is attracting lot of international attention too. I have mixed feelings about her becoming the PM of India. On one side she represents the heights of corruption and divisive politics and on the other, a person from the lowest strata of our society becoming the PM through the democractic process will be a great event in our history, it will be empowering the Dalits, who have faced centuries of oppression. 

And I feel the divisive politics that she plays i.e., appeasement of the Dalits, is a lesser evil compared to that played by the BJP which puts communities against each other. Another point is when most of the politicians are known to be corrupt, how is her corruption so different?

Compared to Dr. Manmohan Singh, I wouldn't want her to be PM but, IF the election results turn out in such a way that she will be PM, I think I will be ok with it and wish India can reach greater heights under her leadership. As the PM of India, I feel it is difficult to rule divisively especially when the government is supported by a coalition. And may be who knows may be she will turn out to be a surprise like Laloo Prasad Yadav!