Rita Bahuguna Joshi rejects security cover provided by UP Govt.

Lucknow, July 24 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi on Friday rejected security cover provided to her by the Mayawati-led state government, describing it as another political stunt by the BSP chief.

Earlier, Joshi had alleged that Mayawati had orchestrated the arson attack on her house, and could "plan attacks" on her in future as well.

"As Joshi ji and we believe that the attack was itself state-sponsored, she has refused to accept security from two police gunners who were deployed at her residence by the state government following the arson attack," Congress spokesperson Subodh Srivastava told reporters here.

"By providing security to our leader, the state government that orchestrated the attack just wants to win the support of the people as it has come under attack from various sections," he added.

Joshi was arrested after being charged with denigrating Dalits and Mayawati in a speech July 15.

On the same night, her house in Lucknow was set on fire, allegedly by a group of BSP workers.

Joshi was released from jail Saturday after being granted interim bail.

She has apologised for her remarks and demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the arson attack on her house.

"After getting my residence set on fire by her goons, Mayawati can now also plan attacks on me. My life is in danger now, but I am not scared. I have lived a lot but I will continue to fight for the poor, the oppressed and for women's rights," Joshi had said. (ANI)