Zeenews Bureau

Sitapur: Bahujan Samaj Party's national president and Chief Minister Mayawati on Wednesday began her election campaign from Sitapur, while blaming the wrong economic policies of the Congress for lack of development in Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing a huge gathering of BSP supporters, Mayawati said, “Congress party’s wrong economic policies, lack of cooperation and insensitive attitude are the main reason behind slow development in Uttar Pradesh.”

The BSP chief made a scathing attack on the ruling Congress government at the Centre by saying, “Uttar Pradesh has suffered due to the step-motherly treatment given to the state by the Congress government at helm in Centre.”

Continuing her tirade against the Congress, the UP Chief Minister said, “The centre never provided us the budgetary allocation sought by us for accelerating the pace of growth here. My government had demanded Rs 80,000 crores from Centre but got nothing in return.”

Mayawati also said that when she took oath as Chief Minister, the state’s economy was in a very bad shape, adding, “but we have taken historical measures to improve the overall conditions despite all odds.”

The BSP leader slammed the anti-Dalit mindset of Congress and other rival parties, saying that neither Congress never BJP had ever done anything to improve the condition of Dalits.

On her part, the Chief Minister promised to provide 24-hour electricity across the state and assured taking important initiatives aimed at bettering the state of living here.

She is also likely to address a rally in Barabanki later in the evening. Being the only star campaigner of the BSP, Mayawati will address about 60 rallies in the next 29 days during her whirlwind campaign. She will criss-cross the state in a helicopter and address rallies phase-wise.

As per the party's communique, Mayawati will address two rallies in district headquarters every day. BSP candidates in various constituencies of each district have been asked to attend that rally along with their supporters.

"In these rallies, the BSP president will introduce party candidates to the people and appeal to the masses to vote for the party," party spokesman said.

Mayawati's campaign revolves around the performance of her government.

In her speeches, she is also expected to showcase the achievements of her government and compare her rule with that of Congress and Samajwadi Party.