Date:10/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/10/stories/2008081054770800.htm

National

“Successor will also be a Dalit”

Special Correspondent

LUCKNOW: BSP president Mayawati on Saturday announced her successor, who like her will be a Dalit and belong to the Chamar sub-caste (the sub-caste to which she belongs).

Addressing the BSP national convention here, Ms. Mayawati did not reveal the name of her successor, stating that if his name was disclosed some unscrupulous elements in the Dalit samaj would scuttle his chances.

His identity was known to two of her closest aides, who have been told to reveal the name at the appropriate time, she said.

Stating that her successor, younger to her by 18 to 20 years, was being readied for the job, she clarified that he was not a member of her family. He is the son of a poor mother and one whose name would not be opposed by the Dalits.

The Chief Minister said this in reference to her apprehensions that she might be sent to jail in the DA case, or assassinated by terrorists or naxalites.

Natwar joins BSP

The former Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Natwar Singh has joined the Bahujan Samaj Party, Ms. Mayawati announced at the convention. Mr. Singh was present on the dais.

Mr. Singh quit the Manmohan Singh government in the wake of the food-for-oil scandal, thus ending his association with the Congress.

Recently, it was reported that Mr. Singh may join the BJP. No responsibility, nor any party post has been assigned to him by the BSP president.

Two Samajwadi Party MPs, who joined the BSP before the July 22 trust vote in Parliament, S.P. Singh Baghel and Shahid Siddiqui, have been made national general secretaries.