M A I N   N E W S

BJP, Cong targeting BSP: Maya
Faraz Ahmad
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 12
The ones rooting to bring down the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government on the issue of Indo-US civilian nuclear deal are banking heavily on Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati’s political acumen to split the Samajwadi Party (SP).

This is notwithstanding the fact that Mayawati is keeping her cards close to her chest and would rather speak on the subject closer to July 22 when the government seeks a vote of confidence. Sources in the BSP said that “Telugu Desam Party and Telangana Rashtra Samiti leaders have spoken to her over the phone and discussed the issue.”

On her part though, Mayawati has avoided speaking on the issue. While addressing the media here on Saturday, she restricted her comments to the recent CBI affidavit against her in the disproportionate assets case.

She alleged that both the BJP and the Congress were targeting her party because with their political base shrinking, they fear the growth of the BSP. Describing the cases as totally false and unconstitutional, she said that now with the CBI director due to retire and the SP-Congress tie-up taking place, the CBI is working at the behest of the SP.

She said, “I am told that the officers go every morning to report at the door of a certain SP leader before they begin the day’s work at their respective offices.” She, however, said that she would not be cowed down by such threats.

Meanwhile, sources in the party claimed that there are at least six SP MPs who may cross over and vote with the BSP against the government. BSP insiders were hoping that by the time the day of reckoning arrives, many more from the SP may break ranks from their parent party and vote according to the BSP’s directions.

Maya Outburst
CBI clarifies its stand

New Delhi, July 12
The CBI today clarified that its July 10 counter affidavit in the disproportionate assets case against Mayawati, was in compliance with the specific direction given by the Supreme Court on May 15. The CBI said the May 15 Supreme Court order was in response to Mayawati’s writ petition filed on May 9, challenging the the CBI’s October 10, 2003, FIR had been made in pursuance of the Supreme Court’s order dated September 18, 2003, said the agency.

“The counter affidavit mentions only the position of disproportionate assets as existed on September 18, 2003, which had then been reflected in CBI’s status reports before the Supreme Court.” It is also clarified that the CBI had “not circulated” copies of the affidavit to the media, as was being alleged, added the CBI in its release.

The CBI’s response comes in the wake of the BSP chief calling the central agency “a stooge of the ruling party” and working under the directions of the Congress and Samajwadi party.

Mayawati had flayed the CBI by calling it a tool in the hands of the ruling party and said the SP, in collusion with the Congress, was part of a conspiracy to finish her off. — UNI