BSP sitting MLA joins SP in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, Mar 12 (UNI) The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) today suffered a setback in the Bundelkhand region when one of its sitting MLAs joined the ruling Samajwadi Party ahead of assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.

R K Singh Patel, a sitting MLA from Chitrakoot-Karvi, today joined SP in the presence of state PWD minister Shivpal Singh Yadav.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Patel alleged that BSP president and former chief minister Mayawati was selling tickets for the assembly elections but not giving it to deserving ''grassroots level'' workers.

''I was given ticket by the late Kanshiram for my selfless work for the party...now tickets are being sold to the highest bidder,'' said the two-time MLA and former state minister.

Mr Yadav claimed that BSP was taking Rs 50 lakh per ticket for the assembly elections.

To a poser, Mr Yadav ruled out rebellion by party cadres following party's decision to induct leaders from opposition parties, including the Congress, BSP and BJP.

UNI