Denied ticket, UP minister resigns from Mayawati cabinet

Apparently upset over the denial of BSP ticket for the Assembly elections, Uttar Pradesh Minister Daddan Mishra today resigned from the Mayawati cabinet.

The Minister of State for Ayurveda, however, cited "moral grounds" for his resignation amid allegations that he had indulged in anti-party activities.

"I have resigned on moral grounds, but will continue to work for the party," he told PTI.

Mishra, who represented Bhinga constituency in Shravasti district, said he had come to know that the party would not field him this time.

"But yesterday when allegations of indulging in anti-party activities and not working in the area were levelled against me, I decided to resign (from the Ministry) on moral grounds," he said.

BSP zonal coordinator Udaybhan Gautam had said at a party workers' meeting yesterday that BSP chief Mayawati has denied party ticket to Mishra expressing displeasure over his functioning.

The party would now field Abdul Rahim Khan from that seat, he had said.