The Hindu : Mayawati fears arrest

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Thursday, Nov 06, 2003

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Mayawati fears arrest

By Our Staff Correspondent

Bahujan Samaj Party workers display the party symbol during at a State-level convention in Bhopal on Wednesday addressed by the party president, Mayawati, in connection with distribution of tickets for the forthcoming Assembly elections. Photo: A.M. Faruqui

BHOPAL NOV. 5. The Bahujan Samaj Party Supremo, Mayawati, today expressed fear that taking strength from the observations of the Supreme Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) could arrest her.

Addressing a convention of BSP workers at the Ravindra Bhawan, Ms. Mayawati, who is here in connection with the ticket distribution exercise of her party, said the founder of BSP, Kanshiram, was these days fighting a battle for life and could even die of shock if she is arrested.

Ms. Mayawati said she would never have sought anticipatory bail and bravely gone to jail had there been no threat to Mr. Kanshiram's life.

There was a large presence of BSP workers at Ravindra Bhawan when Ms. Mayawati went there in a big procession to address the convention. The road leading to the venue was decked up on both sides with huge hoardings, banners and flags to welcome the BSP leader. The party workers' entry inside the auditorium was restricted and only those with entry passes could go in. Even mediapersons were kept away from the main function. A huge shamiana had been erected just behind the auditorium for the large number of BSP workers, who could not be accommodated inside.

Ms. Maywati said even if she gets arrested, the party should concentrate on the Assembly elections in the States going to polls. All preparations for the Assembly polls have been completed from her side and all necessary documents signed, she added. She urged the party workers to court arrest in large numbers in States that were not going to polls if she got arrested.

Regarding the money deposited in her bank accounts, the BSP leader said all of it would go to the BSP after her demise. She reiterated her earlier stand saying that the main aim of her party is to ensure the Bharatiya Janata Party's defeat in four of the five States where Assembly polls are being held.

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