Mayawati maintained that resolving such disputes through dialogue would prevent political groups from exploiting them for narrow interests.
She described the BSP as an Ambedkarite party committed to ensuring respect for all sections of society and protecting their lives, property and religious rights.
Her comments came days after the Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition filed by a minor student at a private school in Prayagraj seeking permission to wear a hijab along with the prescribed uniform.
The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board has indicated that it may challenge the ruling. Board member and cleric Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali said the hijab had always been an integral part of Islam and that the organisation would approach the court to present its case.
Mayawati also appealed to the Uttar Pradesh government and the local administration to find an immediate and peaceful solution to tensions in Budaun over the installation of a statue of Ambedkar.
The dispute escalated into stone-pelting on Tuesday evening, leaving seven police personnel and a villager injured. More than 10 vehicles were damaged, while seven people were detained for questioning.
The administration said the statue had been installed on restricted government land. It was subsequently moved to the tehsil complex.
With PTI inputs
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