Lucknow, Nov 1: In a boost to beleaguered chief minister Mayawati, an Independent MLA, Mukhtar Ansari, today pledged his support to the ruling BSP-BJP coalition in Uttar Pradesh.
In a letter to governor Vishnu Kant Shastri, Ansari, representing Mau constituency, said, "I am pained that some opportunist and selfish elements are trying to destabilise the government." He requested Mayawati to include his name in the list of Independent MLAs who were supporting the government.

The chief minister, who is also vice-president of the Bahujan Samaj Party, accepted the MLA`s request, according to a party release here.

Ansari`s support to the government comes in the wake of withdrawal of support to the government by 12 BJP and seven Independent MLAs.
Bureau Report