Mayawati not to open her card on Prez candidate

New Delhi, May 25: Refusing to open her card on the Presidential election, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati today said she would take a decision only after holding wide-ranging meetings with party executive members and other leaders.

Describing the issue of Presidential election as ''very important'', the Chief Minister said she had not given adequate thought to the matter because of her preoccupation with immediate issues in the state.

''The issue is very important and it merits serious and careful consideration,'' she said, addressing the national media for the first time here after taking over as chief minister.

''I will open my card later,'' Ms Mayawati said.

The issue is likely to figure during her meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, slated for tomorrow.

Asked whether she would favour a second term for President APJ Abdul Kalam, she said it was not the question of her favouring or disfavouring a particular candidate.

''The BSP is a democratic, not a dictatorial, party. Any decison in this regard will be taken after discussing the matter at the party's national executive meeting here this evening,'' she said.

Another round of meeting, involving party MLAs and MPs, would be held in Lucknow to take a final decision, the chief minister said.

Ms Mayawati, whose party has secured over 200 assembly seats in the recent elections in Uttar Pradesh, can play a crucial role in the presidential election, which is due in July.

To a query whether she would support a candidate fielded by the UPA government, the chief minister said though her party was not a constituent of the Congress-led coalition government at the Centre, she would continue to support it from outside.

She also ruled out joining the UPA government, saying her party would only extend outside support to the coalition of secular parties.

UNI