Maya seeks Rs 80,000-cr package in Budget

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, having threatened to "reconsider" her support to the UPA government, did not let this stand in the way of demanding a Rs 80,000-crore package for the state from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. She also sought clearance for an airport at Zhevar.

Mayawati met Singh for nearly an hour-and-a-half and hinted that unless the Centre supported her dream projects, the onus of severance of ties would be with the central government.

Mayawati's spokesperson described the meeting as "very cordial.'' The meeting assumes significance amid speculation that the BSP plans to announce withdrawal of support to the UPA at a rally in the capital on January 24. She also sought a special fund for backward regions in Uttar Pradesh.

Mayawati against asked Singh that she needed the Special Protection Group cover. The Centre has already rejected this demand. She also sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into three major scams under the Mulayam Singh regime.