Maya bares fangs, two Independent MLAs held

Mayawati denied that the police action was politically motivated. According to a statement issued by her, ‘‘No one will be allowed to take the law into his hands.’’ Both the legislators were trying to destabilise the government by threatening other MLAs with muscle power, she said.

The BJP too welcomed the arrests. ‘‘There was no option other than to arrest these legislators, who were intimidating others to withdraw support to the government,’’ state BJP chief Vinay Katiyar said.

However, Ganga Bhakt Singh, the Sangh Parivar veteran who spearheaded the rebellion, met the Governor today afternoon and lodged a complaint that the legislators were being ‘‘persecuted’’. The SP too pitched in, with workers pouring into the streets after news of the arrest, demanding that the legislators be freed. Separately, the Congress Legislature Party sent a letter to the Governor, demanding that the House be summoned without delay.