Stung by an RTI revelation that BSP leader Mayawati spent over Rs 86 crore of public money to renovate her 13 Mall Avenue bungalow that she is entitled to as a former chief minister, the party today dubbed it as a "misinformation campaign" launched by SP.
"The SP government in Uttar Pradesh has used some officials to spread campaign against BSP and Mayawati...The records available maker it clear that a major portion of the bungalow is used as Manyavar Kanshi Ram Memorial and Mayawati uses only a small area for residential purpose," SP General Secretary Satish Misra told a press conference here.
He said the funds to maintain the memorial come from the state's budget which have the approval of the legislature.
Referring to reports that Mayawati was alloted four bungalows in Delhi, he said while one bungalow was alloted to BSP's central office, another was alloted to the Bahujan Prerna Trust.
"Numbers 14 and 16 are actually one bungalow which has been alloted to Mayawati as her residence," Misra said. All the bungalows are situated on Gurudwara Rakabganj Road.
In reply to a poser on Mayawati's security being downgraded by the state government, he said she had recently written to the Centre demanding SPG cover as several terror accused arrested during her regime are being released from jail and she requires better protection.
Asked why her request was rejected, he said both the Centre and the state government are wary of the progress made by BSP and its chief. SPG cover for her would mean amendment to the SPG Act.
Asked why the BSP continues to support the UPA despite its attitude towards Mayawati, he said the party has been extending issue-based support.
Misra alleged that law and order situation in the state has suffered a setback since Akhilesh Yadav government took over two months ago.
He said in most of the cases, senior SP leaders and ministers of the state government were found responsible.
