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Journalism of Courage
The BSP legislator from Agra Cantonment, Ch. Bashir, has emerged as the surprise package in new Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav8217;s show of strength on Saturday.
It was but three days ago when Bashir had complained to Governor Vishnukant Shastri that he was being threatened by Agra Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Saxena to support Mulayam8217;s Samajwadi Party in the vote of confidence.
No one attached much importance to his complaint till Bashir and his wife, Ghazala Amin, moved over to Mulayam8217;s side on Saturday. They were in the group of dissident BSP MLAs, led by Rajendra Singh Rana, who met the Governor to inform him of their support to Mulayam.
Whatever reasons Bashir may give now for his decision to leave Mayawati, party insiders trace this to his desire for ministership. Being the youngest and the only Muslim MLA to have won from Agra, Bashir was hopeful that Mayawati would reward him with a ministerial berth for defeating Kesho Mehra, sitting MLA and BJP state general secretary, in the Assembly elections. But his hopes were dashed each time Mayawati expanded her Cabinet. Sources say Bashir agreed to join Mulayam only after the CM assured him of a ministerial post.
Mulayam has hit two birds by winning over Bashir. First, Bashir8217;s wife also crossed over to his side, completing the required figure of 37 dissident MLAs to authorise a formal split in the BSP. Secondly, Bashir being the only Muslim MLA to have won from Agra, has brought with him the support of the Muslims in the constituency.
