Mayawati's RS resignation a 'political gimmick': Ram Vilas Paswan

Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan today termed the resignation of BSP supremo Mayawati from the Rajya Sabha a "political gimmick", saying she was nervous as Dalits have rejected her leadership.

Paswan, a prominent Dalit face of the ruling NDA, said maximum atrocities against Dalits had happened in Uttar Pradesh when she was chief minister as he cited several cases of crimes against the community to wonder why she did not quit then.

"Her resignation on the issue of Dalit atrocities is nothing but a political gimmick," he said.

Mayawati has claimed that she was resigning from the House as she was not allowed to speak on the issue of crimes against her community members.

Raking up the alleged corruption charges against her, Paswan said Mayawati should answer that where from she got Rs 104 crore which was deposited in bank after the demonetisation measure.

"She should also tell that whether the money which was deposited in the bank was given to her by Dalits or did big capitalists give her the money?" he asked.

The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief also asked UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to view the cases of atrocities against Dalits seriously and take action against the culprits.

Officers concerned like district magistrates and police chiefs should be held accountable, he said.