Jaiswal makes light of Mayawati's statement

Kanpur, Sep 9 (UNI) Countering the statement of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati to consider withdrawal of support from the Centre, Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal today said her statement should be taken lightly.

''Neither Mayawati-led BSP is part of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) nor did it contest the last Lok Sabha election in alliance with its constituents,'' Mr Jaiswal told UNI here.

He claimed the Centre was still considering the development package demanded by the UP Chief Minister.

Soon after taking over the reigns of UP in May, Ms Mayawati had demanded a development package worth Rs 80,000 crore from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

However, during the recent bypoll assembly election campaign, she criticised the Centre for not sanctioning the package yet and spoke about withdrawal of support.

UNI