Mayawati promises to deal with criminal elements firmly

Mayawati, who will be heading a single-party government in Uttar Pradesh after 14 years, on Sunday said, criminal elements encouraged during the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) Government will be firmly dealt.

Lucknow, May 13 : Mayawati, who will be heading a single-party government in Uttar Pradesh after 14 years, on Sunday said, criminal elements encouraged during the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) Government will be firmly dealt.

The Dalit Chief Minister also promised to look into the interest of weaker sections of the society.

Addressing a press conference after taking oath as the 32nd Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (UP), Mayawati said, "I will strive for a fearless, injustice free, corruption free State."

"No violence will be allowed in the name of religion. And, a peaceful and harmonious environment will be restored," she added.

Mayawati said, probe will be ordered in such instances where atrocities were committed on the innocent during the SP regime and such instances where justice was denied.

"Jungle Raj (lawlessness) will have to be stamped out from Uttar Pradesh," she said.

Promising to act tough against all those who had received license for keeping weapons during the previous regime, Mayawati said that an inquiry would be launched soon against those who have been given protection under the Mulayam Singh's government.

Not forgetting her main support base- the Dalits- she said that due attention will be paid to the interests of the Dalit and backward sections of society along with the farmers.

Taking a dig at Mulayam Singh Yadav's unemployment allowance, she said that the unemployed would be provided employment rather than unemployment allowance.

However, Mayawati realising that all her developmental promises would be hollow in absence of funds with the State government, she said that at first she would check the State government's treasury then only she would decide on the next course of action.

"Till the time we do not have sufficient funds, sources will have to be identified to generate funds for a large scale development of the State," she added.

She said attention would be given to the development of all the 70 Zilas of the State with a priority to backward areas.

ANI