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| Congress 'queen' can't dictate terms to BSP 'queen' | | |
BL KAK
NEW DELHI, May 26
Amid noises becoming louder among various political parties over the crucial presidential votes, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) 'queen' and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, has emerged more stronger than many others, including the Congress 'queen', Sonia Gandhi, in relation to the just-started search for a successor to President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam.
Mayawati is the woman who holds the key to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Specifically, it was in this context that both Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, demonstrated much warmth during their separate meetings in New Delhi with Mayawati. Presidential election was discussed by both Sonia and Manmohan with Mayawati. But all the three leaders chose to be non-communicative.
According to insiders, the Congress president and the Prime Minister made calculated attempts to keep Mayawati in good humour. "I have had quite pleasant meetings with Soniaji and Prime Minister", Mayawati told EARLY TIMES on Saturday. She declined to be drawn into discussion on the upcoming presidential poll. "My party has not so far taken any decision on how to go about the matter", she said and hurriedly added: "You wait and watch, and you will soon know my party's final decision on the matter".
Whoever will be the next President must have some support from the new 'queen' of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati. Uttar Pradesh (UP) makes the largest contribution to the electoral college and that is where Mayawati assumes tremendous significance. With more than 58,000 votes in her command, Mayawati's decision on the presidential elections will be crucial. The differentiating ballots are with her 19 MPs and 207 MLAs and the Congress knows that very well.
Figures stacked in the presidential race are: Congress (280,000), UPA allies (141,000), Left (111,000), BSP (57,200), NDA, Samajwadi Party and others (511,000). It is Mayawati's choice that will prevail in the end and the road to Rashtrapati Bhavan may have to go through Lucknow this year. It is, precisely, in this context hat the Congress party is actively wooing Mayawati with an eye on the forthcoming presidential elections.
On her first visit to the national capital on May 25 after her Bahujan Samaj Party's thumping victory in Assembly election earlier this month, Mayawati became the toast of the town with politicians and media making a beeline to meet her. "I am not going to reveal my cards until I have consulted my party colleagues", said Mayawati after her meeting with the Prime Minister.
The Bahujan Samaj Party's support is crucial for any party or alliance that has an eye on the chair to be vacated by President Kalam on July 25 as the ruling United Progressive Alliance and the opposition National Democratic Alliance are locked in a close contest.
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