Expelled SP MP likely to join BSP

ALLAHABAD: Expelled Samajwadi Party MP Ateeq Ahmed has expressed his desire to join the Bahujan Samaj Party led by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and has written a letter to her in this regard.

This was stated by Nasimuddin Siddiqui, a close confidant of Mayawati and a minister in her government, who met Ateeq, an accused in BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case, in Naini Central jail here on Saturday.

Ateeq had extended unconditional support to the BSP and had expressed his desire to join the party, Nasimuddin told mediapersons after the meeting.

"The MP has also given us a letter addressed to Mayawati who will take a final decision in this regard," he said.

Siddiqui said Ateeq had denied his involvement in the Raju Pal murder case and hoped "the truth will come out before the court of law."