Mayawati to decide on support to UPA government at a rally tomorrow

LUCKNOW: Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati would take a call on her party's support to the UPA government at a massive rally on Tuesday. The rally on the occasion of party founder Kanshi Ram's death anniversary would be followed by the party's national executive meeting on October 10.

Immediately after the central government announced the decision to allow FDI in multi brand retail and hike in petroleum prices last month, the former Chief Minister had announced her decision to review the support being extended to the UPA government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Mayawati said a massive rally would be held in Lucknow on October 9 and she would the declare the party's strategy in light of UPA governments unpopular decisions.

Known for her unpredictable nature, Mayawati may spring a surprise keeping in view the growing proximity between her principal foe, the Samajwadi Party and the Congress. With the SP reiterating its continued support to the UPA following its decision on FDI in multi brand retail, insurance, pension sector and the hike in petroleum prices, she could seek to hurt the fragile UPA government.

Mayawati, who has been keeping a low profile since the SP swept to power unseating her in the February-March assembly polls this year would also open a front against the SP.

With the Akhilesh Yadav government canceling the government holiday on October 9 in memory of Kanshi Ram's death anniversary the issue would come handy for Mayawati to raise the anti-Dalit bogey. Senior BSP leaders have already attacked the Akhilesh Yadav government for canceling the holiday but Mayawati is likely to raise a shrill cry in order to consolidate her Dalit votebank which had high regard of Kanshi Ram.

With several BSP ministers likely to be questioned in the LACCFED scam, party sources said Mayawati is likely to highlight alleged vendetta by the SP and corner the government over increase in crime over the last few months.

Massive arrangements have been made for the rally which will see party workers coming from other states as well and Mayawati has told senior BSP leaders that the crowds must surpass attendance at similar rallies held in the past.