BSP to stay away from bypolls,says Maya

Mayawati,who made the announcement after the BSPs impressive victory in the Domariyaganj by-election on Monday,said the BSP would now concentrate on the next Assembly elections in 2012. By-elections to fill Lakhimpur and Nidhauli Kalan Assembly seats are likely to be held soon,following the deaths of two SP MLAs Kaushal Kishore and Anil Yadav.

BSP insiders say Mayawati has taken this decision because every by-election disrupts her normal work since political preparations begin much in advance. Most of the ministers are also involved in campaigning affecting the government functioning. However,many in the party feel this may prove counter-productive.

Who will we target in the by-elections? asks Samajwadi Party spokesman Mohan Singh. BJP state president Surya Pratap Shahi said,She is first accountable to the people of the state; she cannot stay away from by-elections on the plea that she wants to spend her time to strengthen her party, Shahi said.