Mayawati, PM discuss UP development, Prez poll

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today to discuss matters relating to the state and also the much-debated issue of the upcoming Presidential poll.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi joined Singh and Mayawati at a luncheon meeting 30 minutes later when the issue of possible candidates for the Presidential poll is understood to have been discussed.

"My meeting with the Prime Minister will end the situation of confrontation between the Centre and the UP," Mayawati said appreciating Singh's assurance of providing all help for the development of the state.

She said her government would adopt a "co-operative" approach with the Centre, and would not allow politics to come in the development of the state.

Earlier, Mayawati, accompanied by senior state government officials and her trusted lieutenant and state minister Satish Chandra Mishra, discussed matters relating to the state with the Prime Minister.

Mayawati's party holds the key in the Presidential poll given the fact that the candidate of the ruling alliance can succeed only with the full backing of the Left and the BSP.

Gandhi had hosted a tea party for Mayawati, who took over as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister for the fourth time on May 12, yesterday but both sides were silent on what transpired at the nearly 100-minute meeting.