Lucknow, Jan. 17: In a move that is bound to widen the rift between the the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Ms Mayawati, and the Centre, the BSP supremo has withdrawn all protocol privileges that are normally accorded to visiting Central ministers.
The Union minister of state for rural development, Mr Pradeep Jain, on Monday, had to travel by a rickshaw when he arrived here to attend the two-day coordination committee meeting of the UP Congress.
“I have no idea why there was no official car and escort to receive me. I am here for a party meeting and will travel by rickshaw to reach the destination. I have not been given any security which reflects the mentality of the government,” Mr Jain said.
A day ago, another Union minister of state, Mr Jitin Prasada, was given similar treatment when he arrived in Lucknow.
A senior government official, meanwhile, said the rules for protocol had been changed last week.
“If any Central minister comes to the state on an official visit and gives adequate and prior information, he will be given privileges under the protocol. If he or she comes on a private visit, then it is the sole discretion of the state government. Besides, if we are not informed in advance, we cannot be expected to stand in waiting at airports and railway stations to greet union ministers,” he explained.
The UPCC president, Ms Rita Bahuguna Joshi, however reacted sharply to the government’s behaviour.
“Our Central minister was told that he is not considered as a state guest and if he wishes to stay in VVIP guest house then he has to pay for his accommodation. We will take up the matter with the Governor and will also write to the Chief Minister,” she said.