Mayawati decries Centre for another step motherly treatment

Lucknow, Oct 30 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh government today lodged a strong protest with the Centre on cancellation of the first Haj flight from here with Chief Minister Mayawati, alleging it was part of the Centre's continuing hostility towards the state.

'' The Centre has always been indulged in step motherly treatment with UP government and this incident is no exception where Haj pilgrims are put to discomfort,'' she alleged at a press conference here this evening.

Ms Mayawti said her government and the party strongly condemned the incident and held External Affairs Ministry and Central Haj Committee responsible for the goof up when at the last minute the Haj flight had been cancelled.

''I urge the Centre to take immediate remedial action to facilitate the Haj pilgrims by providing them visas and tickets on time,'' she said.

Contrarily, the leader of opposition and senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ahmad Hassan has held responsible the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) government in the state for the difficulties faced by the Haj Pilgrims.

UNI SB JAS SY AS1821