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Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati chose May 4 as the date for her swearing-in as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh on the advice of her astrologer, a top official from the Ministry of Home Affairs told rediff.com on Monday.
Information gathered by the Intelligence Bureau from Lucknow, which was conveyed to the central government, indicated that Mayawati's astrologer had specifically told her that May 4 was an auspicious date. Following this, the BSP leader indicated her preference to all concerned, including UP Governor Vishnukant Shastri.
By then, Mayawati would also decide on the ministers of her government, the IB report said.
Former UP chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rajnath Singh, who on Monday addressed a joint press conference with Mayawati at Lucknow, hoped that she would give adequate representation in her Cabinet to the various parties in the coalition government.
Singh is tipped to be the chairman of the government's co-ordination committee to ensure its smooth functioning.
Significantly, Mayawati's statement that the BSP would jointly fight the general election with the BJP indicates that the two parties are contemplating having a long association.
"So far, things are fine and nobody need add to what our leader [Mayawati] said in Lucknow today," BSP Lok Sabha MP Rashid Alvi said.
PTI
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