Divided over Cong link, BSP heads for a split in MP

This follows the BSP decision to expel key Baraiyya men, including general secretary Sunil Borse from the party.

PTI reports late night raids at Baraiyya’s residence apparently in connection with the alleged theft of election-related materials from the party’s offices in Gwalior division. Baraiyya alleged bsp chief Mayawati had conspired with Chief Minister Digvijay Singh to arraign him and finish his political career.

Earlier in Gwalior, BSP central observer Brij Lal, sent from Delhi, accused Baraiyya of striking a deal with the BJP. The party, he said, would be conducting an inquiry. Meanwhile, a criminal case has been registered against Baraiyya in Gwalior and another against his supporters in Bhopal. They are being accused of stealing election related material from the BSP party office.

Addressing a press conference, where several BSP leaders announced their resignation, Bhopal district chief and Baraiyya loyalist Anil Pandey said: ‘‘We have resigned from the party and are waiting for Baraiyya’s orders. He was the one who has strengthened the party in the state.’’

‘‘It was he who was responsible for the rally attended by Mayawati. But see what they have done to him. I accompanied him to a meeting in Delhi. He was told not to contest any Assembly seat but work as an assistant to the Bhopal district in-charge of party.’’

‘‘He wanted to put up candidates on all 230 seats while Mayawati wants to announce candidates for only 150 seats. How can we, who had been abusing the Congress for four years, suddenly start cheering Digvijay?’’ Pandey said reports of a new party in the offing — the Krantikari Bahujan Samaj Party — were ‘‘not wrong’’.