Mayawati removes Delhi unit BSP president

NEW DELHI: Cracking the whip on "indisciplined" party workers, BSP chief Mayawati on Saturday struck out 12 names from the list of candidates for the Delhi Assembly elections besides removing the capital's state unit president.
    
Delhi unit president Jageram Bhati was removed from the post while around 10-12 candidates, whose names were announced for contesting the Assembly polls, were replaced by new faces, party sources said.
    
The new president of the Delhi unit is Braham Singh Bidhuri.
    
The decision was announced by Mayawati at a closed door meeting of party leaders, councillors and the party's candidates for the assembly elections here. The meeting lasted for about two-and-half hours.
    
Sources said the action was taken against these people for indulging in anti-party activities.
    
"The replacement of the candidates and the party unit president was a disciplinary action taken by the party chief. We were asked to put in all our efforts to win seats for the party in the capital," a party leader said.
    
When contacted, Bhati confirmed that he has been removed from the post but refused to give reasons for the decision.
    
"It is an internal matter of the party. Whatever responsibility is bestowed to me, I will accept it. I have no complaints. We will ensure that party wins enough seats in the capital," he said.