Lucknow, Aug 29: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav today announced withdrawal of Pota cases against Raja Bhaiya and his father in the state. Yadav told reporters soon after taking oath as chief minister that Pota slapped on political leaders to settle scores would be withdrawn.

Cases of those arrested under the National Security Act and the Goonda Act during Mayawati`s regime would also be reviewed, he said.

In his first press conference after assuming office, Yadav announced a number of steps benefitting people, including payment to cane growers amounting to Rs 134o crore. He, however, parried questions on Ayodhya imbroglio saying his stand on the matter was well known.

Yadav said the ban on elections to student unions in colleges and universities would be lifted.

The Chief Minister said beds to patients in government hospitals would be available free of cost.

Asked whether his government would issue a fresh notification to pave the way for trial of Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and others in the Babri Masjid demolition case, the Chief Minister said a decision in this regard would be taken after consulting other parties in the coalition. The Chief Minister evaded a direct reply when asked whether the support extended to him by Congress meant that he had accepted Sonia Gandhi as leader of the Opposition-led anti-BJP front.

He, however, expressed hope that Congress would join his ministry.


To a question, Yadav said he would constitute his ministry in consultations with political parties which had extended support to him. He did give any time-frame but said the ministry might be expanded after he wins the confidence vote in the assembly.

Yadav said his government priorities are law and order and establishing social and communal harmony.

Bureau Report