Rebels remind Maya her govt is on crutches

UP BJP legislators and Independents ignored or given insignificant portfolios in the Cabinet expansion today warned Chief Minister Mayawati ...

UP BJP legislators and Independents ignored or given insignificant portfolios in the Cabinet expansion today warned Chief Minister Mayawati that their support could not be taken for granted unless their demands were met.

While the dissident BJP legislators held a meeting and demanded that party ministers resign and support the government from outside, the 13 Independent MLAs said they would be forced to look for other political options.

‘‘We have won on our own and are not dependent on any political outfit. We are ready to give support to any party which ensures our fair representation in the ministry,’’ said Dhananjay Singh, an Independent MLA.

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After the meeting at MLC Ramashees Rai’s residence, BJP legislator Anil Verma said: ‘‘We will try to meet Prime Minister Vajpayee during his UP visit and put the real picture before him. Our central leadership has been kept in the dark.’’ Fifteen MLCs and nine MLAs were present at the meeting.

Reacting to state BJP president Vinay Katiyar’s statement that no Independent or party MLC would be made a minister, BJP legislator Bharat Tripathi said: ‘‘What is the difference between MLAs and MLCs? Had it been Pramod Mahajan or Sushma Swaraj, would they not have become ministers at the Centre?’’

‘‘There is no representation (in the ministry) on the basis of caste or area. None of the Dalit MLAs in the BJP have been made minister by a party which claims of taking care of all segments,’’ said legislator Anil Verma.

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