BJP-BSP alliance crisis over at least for now

30 July 2003, 18:00 PM

Pallab Bhattacharya, New Delhi

The alliance between India's ruling BJP and its ruling coalition partner Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the key state of Uttar Pradesh came closer to the brink of collapse Tuesday on the issue of controversial heritage corridor near the Taj Mahal, in Agra but the storm blew over following a patch-up.

The alliance was saved after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati took back her demand for resignation of Indian Culture Minister Jagmohan in the face of some tough-talking done by the entire BJP top brass.

Mayawati, who had only two days back demanded the scalp of Jagmohan accusing him of conspiring with her political rivals on the Taj corridor issue, was forced to retract after Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee made it clear that there was no question of removing Jagmohan from the cabinet.

Vajpayee's firm rejection of Mayawati's demand, coupled with several BJP MPs' demand for breaking the tie-up with BSP which would have threatened the stability of her government in Uttar Pradesh, won the day for BJP in the political showdown.

The patch-up between BJP and BSP followed Mayawati's telephonic talks from Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh, with Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and a two-hour dinner meeting with the Prime Minister in New Delhi Tuyesterday.