BSP to decide on Prez candidate on May 25

NEW DELHI: BSP, which recently assumed power in Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday said it would disclose its choice on the Presidential candidate on May 25.

The decision on whom to support would be decided at the BSP's executive Committee meeting called next week, party supremo and UP Chief Minister Mayawati said in an interview to a private news channel.

"Whether we will go for a Dalit candidate or a non-Dalit will also be decided then," she said.

UPA and NDA coalitions were also not coming out openly on their choice of the presidential candidate and awaiting BSP's decision.

Refuting allegations that her party had sold tickets against a premium of Rs 50 lakh, she said, "It is entirely false. I asked my candidates to keep off the donations from industrial houses and pool in their resources during the electioneering".

This would help the BSP Government in formulating an economic policy for the state which is free from pressures of industrial houses, she said.

On whether she was looking for a role at the Centre, Mayawati said "every leader at the centre of politics in New Delhi has come from Uttar Pradesh".