Maya to hit streets against Mulayam

BSP chief Mayawati is ready to launch the ‘‘second phase’’ of her agitation against UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yada...

BSP chief Mayawati is ready to launch the ‘‘second phase’’ of her agitation against UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav with a series of dharnas, sit-ins and protest marches, beginning on Tuesday. The latest offensive is likely to add fuel to the CM’s worries of a growing BSP-Congress understanding on the removal of his government and probable early polls.

Her demand: Dismissal of the Mulayam government, especially in the light of her party MLA Raju Pal’s murder in Allahabad, and the imposition of President’s Rule.

Says a BSP spokesperson: ‘‘Mayawati is expected to fly to Lucknow or Allahabad, to launch the agitation.’’

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The BSP’s latest move of continuing to put political pressure on Mulayam will only add fuel to the UP Chief Minister’s growing suspicion of a tacit understanding between the BSP and the Congress to topple his government. After all, any political support for Mulayam’s dismissal at the Centre, including from ally Left, can come only if there is sufficient proof of a administrative breakdown.

Mulayam has already been under siege from all quarters, apart from constant Congress attacks against his government on issues ranging from lack of governance to lawlessness. Two days ago, former PM and BJP leader A.B. Vajpayee publicly condemned Mulayam’s government and demanded President’s Rule in the state.

The rapid developments in the last week have also made Mulayam edgy, beginning with the Supreme Court’s intervention in Pal murder case. The court issued notices to the CM and asked the CBI to look into the case, following a petition by Pal’s widow, Pooja Pal.

Mayawati has accused the CM and his party workers of orchestrating Pal’s murder. In fact, it was immediately after the court’s directive to the UP Government that the main accused, SP MP from Allahabad, Atiq Ahmed, surrendered before the CJM.

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The BSP’s recruitment drive from among BJP and SP is also being seen as a signal for early polls. Mayawati has been buoyed by the galaxy of former SP and BSP MPs and MLAs joining, from Ghaziabad honcho D.P. Yadav to Ketaki Singh, ex-MP and wife of sitting BJP MP from Behrampur

Mulayam is also edgy about the petition the BSP has filed at the Allahabad High court, asking for an ex-party decision on the status of the 40 rebel BSP MLAs who support Mulayam’s government, as they have not responded to their summons on February 4.