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Mayawati makes a dig at Vajpayee

Sharat Pradhan in Lucknow

In an indication that the honeymoon between the Bahajun Samaj Party and its coalition partner the Bharatiya Janata Party may be waning, Uttar Chief Minister and BSP chief Mayawati took a dig at Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was in Lucknow on Thursday to inaugurate two railway projects.

While Prime Minister Vajpayee laid much stress on making a success out of coalition government, Mayawati did not miss the opportunity to take a dig at Vajpayee.

Just as he began his schedule with the launching of Lucknow's first circular rail system and India's second Jan-Shatabdi Express between Lucknow and Varanasi, Mayawati made it a point to draw his attention to the poor attendance at the show.

"You are coming to Lucknow for the first time after I have taken over as chief minister, but I would wish that you spare some time once again to give me an opportunity to welcome you here. I will show you the excitement and warmth among the people," she told the prime minister, indicating the empty enclosure.

Mayawati's obvious idea was to tell the prime minister that she was in a position to put up a much more impressive show than what his own partymen had done.

Vajpayee, however, preferred not to take the bait and confined himself to highlighting the need for ensuring success of coalitions.

"Who does not want a one-party rule, but the reality is that today is the era of coalitions," the prime minister said. "When no party is able to get a clear mandate, coalitions become a compulsion and it is for them to fulfil the aspirations of the people."

As if to convey his own experience of the pangs of coalition government, and to issue a word of counsel for the warring coalition partners in UP, he observed, "Coalitions may be difficult to pull along, but it was for the coalition partners to thrash out solutions by building harmony and a congenial environment."

Vajpayee added, "I wish the coalition in UP sets an example of a healthy prolonged relationship in order to live up to the expectations of the people of the state."

Citing his own example, Vajpayee said, "Personally, I make it a point to even seek the cooperation of the opposition on all issues of vital national and international significance."

Giving out a long list of achievements of his government, he claimed, "We have been able to provide a better quality and enhanced the pace of life by ensuring a multi-pronged development."

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