The Hindu : Front Page : SP: it was government that surrendered

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Thursday, Apr 03, 2008
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SP: it was government that surrendered

Special Correspondent

LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh on Wednesday said the the BSP government had surrendered before Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Mahendra Singh Tikait, who has been charged with making a derogatory remark against Chief Minister Mayawati.

Describing the developments of the day as a “victory” for Mr. Tikait — he surrendered in court and was released on bail — Mr. Singh said the government could not muster the courage to arrest the BKU leader, who was “victimised.” (Ms. Mayawati, however, said he was arrested.)

Addressing a press conference here, the SP president accused the government of misusing the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. It was the Chief Minister who ordered use of force against the BKU leader and his supporters. Action was the prerogative of the district administration and not of the Chief Minister, Mr. Singh said.

Charging Ms, Mayawati with trying to divide society and create hatred, he said the SP would not be cowed down by threats and it would protest any move to arrest Mr. Tikait. The present regime would not last its full term, he said.

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