Cong ‘Arrogant’, BSP to Go Solo in Rajasthan & MP, Says Mayawati
BSP chief Mayawati alleged that Congress leaders like Digvijaya Singh do not wish for a Congress-BSP alliance.
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Video producer: Shohini Bose
Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party will fight Assembly elections in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh on its own, BSP chief Mayawati announced on Wednesday, 3 October, thereby clearing long-held speculations of a possible alliance with the Congress.
Calling Congress “arrogant”, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati launched an attack against Indian National Congress and accused the grand old party of back-stabbing her and her own party. She further accused Congress of attempting to “finish her party.”
On Where Congress is Erring
In a sharp statement and without mincing words, Mayawati on Wednesday told reporters that Congress is prancing forth in the race to elections under a misconception that they can defeat BJP, but are forgetting their own “corrupt” past.
“They (Congress) are getting arrogant and are under the misconception that they can defeat BJP on their own, but the ground reality is that people haven’t forgiven the Congress party for their mistakes and corruption. They don’t seem to be ready to rectify themselves.”BSP Leader Mayawati
“Digvijaya Singh is a BJP Agent”
While the BSP chief maintained that Congress leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have honest intentions for alliance, she blamed party’s senior leader Digvijaya Singh for sabotaging the efforts for a tie-up.
“Congress leaders like Digvijaya Singh do not wish for a Congress-BSP alliance. They are afraid of agencies like ED, CBI,” Mayawati said.
She further called senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh an agent of the BJP. “Digvijaya Singh, who is also a BJP agent, is giving statements like Mayawati ji has a lot of pressure from Centre so she doesn’t want this alliance. This is baseless,” the BSP chief said.
“Sonia and Rahul Have Honest Intentions”
“I feel that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest. However, some Congress leaders are sabotaging this,” ANI reported, quoting Mayawati.
Respect Mayawati’s Decision: Digvijaya
Senior Congress Leader Digivijaya Singh reacted to the allegations of sabotaging the grand alliance and said that he has always favoured the alliance.
I’ve already made it clear that I respect Mayawati ji and have been in favour of Congress-BSP alliance from the beginning. In Chhattisgarh, there were talks for alliance but she didn’t go for it. In Madhya Pradesh too, there were talks of alliance, she declared 22 candidates.Digvijaya Singh, Senior Congress Leader
Responding to Mayawati’s allegations against him on being an agent of BJP, Digvijaya said, “Please ask her, as far as I am concerned, I have been one of the bitterest critics of Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, BJP and RSS.”
“Rahul Gandhi is our Congress chief, we follow his directions, “ Singh told ANI.
Congress Still Hopeful, Dubs
Move as “Emotional”
Soon after Mayawati called off the alliance, Congress’ spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that the party is still hopeful of things working out between BSP and Congress.
“At times, out of emotions, sweet and bitter things are said. But at last, if Mayawati ji holds absolute trust in Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, then other creases can be ironed out,” Congress’ spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said reacting to Mayawati’s statement on issue of Congress-BSP alliance in upcoming assembly polls.
BSP Calls Congress’ Bluff: BJP
Terming plans of grand alliance of opposition parties — led by Congress — as bluff, National General Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Party, Ram Madhav said that Congress’ arrogance is a revelation for Mayawati.
Akhilesh Still Bats for Grand Alliance
Reacting to BSP’s decision to fight elections without Congress’ support and not be a part of grand alliance to defeat BJP, Samajwadi Party’s President Akhilesh Yadav said there should be a Mahagathbandhan, reported News18.
I want Congress to take all parties together and there should be a Mahagathbandhan. Congress is a responsible party and I know Bahujan Samaj Party will not take any decision under pressure.Akhilesh Yadav, President, Samajwadi Party