Setting off a buzz of speculation in political circles, BSP leader Mayawati today sang Sonia Gandhi’s praises and lashed out at the BJP questioning its ‘‘Hindu’’ credentials.The apparent reason was a telephone call that Sonia made inquiring about Kanshi Ram’s health. ‘‘Kanshi Ram has been admitted in a city hospital here for cerebral paralysis for four days but not a single senior BJP leader had the courtesy to inquire about his health,’’ said Mayawati. ‘‘Those who have never tired calling Soniaji a foreigner, should take lessons on Hindu religion and culture from her.’’A day after the Supreme Court asked the CBI to file an FIR against her in the Taj project, Mayawati appeared unfazed. She said Sonia had imbibed Indian culture after her long years in the country and her inquiry about Kanshi Ram’s health was because of this. ‘‘She has fully understood Indian culture,’’ she said.Mayawati’s remarks could indicate a thaw in ties between the two political parties given that crucial Assembly elections in five states are near. A BSP-Congress tie-up will prove to be beneficial to both parties— in most states, Dalits constitute a sizeable population and therefore, the BSP could help the Congress defeat their common political rival, the BJP. On the Taj case, Mayawati expressed surprise at the Supreme Court’s directive to only file FIRs against her, her former Cabinet colleague Naseemuddin Siddiqui and four state officials, but did not mention the name of two Union Ministers. ‘‘Why are Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan and Environment Minister T R Balu not being questioned?’’ she asked.Mayawati also blamed the ‘‘manuvadi’’ government, media and society which, she said, hatched ‘‘a well-planned political conspiracy,’’ to malign her. ‘‘Has a probe ever been ordered against any political leader or members of their family into corruption charges as is being done against me and my relatives?’’ she asked, and added, ‘‘It is because I am a Dalit’s daughter. Therefore, I demand a ‘white paper’ on the properties owned by political leaders and their relatives including the Prime Minister.’’She also expressed surprise at CBI and Income Tax officials inquiring about her properties because, she said, she had already submitted all the details when she filed her tax returns.As far as properties of her close relatives were concerned, Mayawati said they did not have information about income tax rules and were perhaps unable to file returns. ‘‘I have nothing to do with their property,’’ she said.
