The Hindu : No instability in State, Mayawati tells investors

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 06, 2003

International

International

No instability in State, Mayawati tells investors

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON JUNE 5. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, has assured prospective investors from the United States that there was no political instability in her State, that she had more than an "absolute majority" and that her Government would complete the stipulated term of five years.

Ms. Mayawati, who is on a 10-day tour of the U.S., was responding to a question on the implications of the current political instability in her State to luring investments. She said that reports of political instability were "inspired" and a deliberate impression was being created that she was rushing back to India because of the threat to her Government. "I will complete my tour as scheduled before returning home."

She said that political opposition to her began the day she formed the Government about a year ago. Even if one or two more parties left the ruling coalition, that would not affect the scheme of things as she had sufficient legislative support. She traced the "current wave of speculation" to the ouster of the Lok Dal leader, Ajit Singh, from the Union Cabinet and who had 14 party MLAs in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly.

Even if they defected there would be no impact on the Government.

Ms. Mayawati's response was in Hindi, a translation of which was provided by one of the officials in the delegation.

She addressed the United States India Business Council here in Hindi as well and copies of her address in English were distributed prior to the start of the session.

"I assure you if you come to Uttar Pradesh, you will get all possible cooperation and support from my Government at every step and get a completely hassle free environment to work in," she said in her prepared remarks.

"We are trying to create world-class infrastructure facilities in the State."

Among the many ambitious projects that the State is pursuing are four special economic zones where industries will get a number of benefits and facilities, especially those pertaining to labour, power and taxes.

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