UP CM extends stay in capital

New Delhi, June 11 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati who landed here on Saturday evening amidst intensified political activities regarding selection of candidate for next month's presidential election, remained in the capital today for the third day, though officials denied any political or official engagements.

She was expected to have a meeting with the Prime Minister, but her secretary Rohit Mathur said that so far no such meeting was planned. However, he did not rule it out.

In her meeting with Dr Singh, she was expected to discuss several state issues and also her party's choice of a presidential candidate.

During her first visit to the capital on May 25, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister had held a meeting of her party's national Executive to discuss the issue of whom to support for next occupant of Rashtrapati Bhawan.

She had also told a press conference that she would be announcing her party's choice shortly.

Reports from Lucknow said that she would disclose the name during her current visit.

Officials said the BSP supremeo, proceedings against whom in the Taj Heritage Corrdor case were dropped on June 5, would stay in the capital at least for today.

According to political observers, Ms Maywati might be waiting for Congress president Ms Sonia Gandhi to return from her visit abroad.

The Congress president was expected back home tonight or tomorrow.

The BSP, which won over 200 assembly seats in the recent Assembly elections in the state, can play a crucial role in the next month's presidential election.

Ms Mayawati's extended visit to the capital assumes significance in the light of the fact that the Congress-led UPA coalition will be keen to know the stance of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) that can have a crucial bearing on the Presidential election.

UNI