Lucknow, Aug 26: Mayawati, at a press conference today, flaunted her resignation that she submitted to Uttar Pradesh Governor Vishnu Kant Shastri. She also announced her withdrawal of support from the NDA government at the Centre. Accusing Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) of playing dirty politics, Mayawati said that her former coalition partners and others had tried to paint a false image -- of her being power-hungry.

She said, "Portrayal of a false image of mine by political parties only reflects the kind of values and moral system they believe in. I have always stuck to my principles while in power and have never stooped down to such levels. Rather, I have always used power to make positive changes in the society." Reminding the media of past history to clarify her stand she said "In 1995, BJP withdrew support from my government. At that time also if I wanted I could have continued as the acting chief minister. But unlike other political leaders, I am not greedy for power and turned in my resignation to the then Governor.”

"Again in 1997, after being in power as chief minister for six months, I gracefully resigned and passed on the baton to Kalyan Singh."

She also told the media that in her letter to the Governor, she has categorically appealed to him that she does not even want to continue as the acting Chief Minister. "I have suggested to him to dissolve the assembly and bring the state under President`s rule." Mayawati said that it has come to her knowledge that some 40-odd BJP members are planning to split and form an independent party. These leaders will join hands with any party that will stake claim to form government in the state.

Bureau Report