Basti is a very backward region. It could very well be the most backward district of India. Although this is a very unfortunate incident, but I wouldn't be surprised if Mayawati is trying to give this caste colour to gain some political momentum. Elections are close and she is loosing ground.
The district of Basti is the most backward region in Uttar Pradesh in northern India. It has apopulation of about 1.8 million, of which 40 per cent are scheduled caste/scheduled tribes, 20 percent are religious minorities, 30 per cent are other backward classes, and 10 per cent are uppercastes. Almost 80 per cent of people live below the poverty line. Lack of industrialization meansthere is a lack of employment opportunities,