BJP settled its black money days before demonetisation announcement, says BSP chief Mayawati

Under constant attack from BJP top brass that BSP has been the biggest loser post demonetisation, party supremo Mayawati on Saturday hit back alleging the ruling party at the Centre settled its black money days before the note ban was announced and said the “half baked and immature” move will hurt it in the Uttar Pradesh elections.

She also claimed the Modi government took the decision in a hurry with “hundred per cent” political interests of BJP in mind.

Addressing a press conference here, she said hers is the “only party” in the country which has no ill-gotten money.

While agreeing that she accepts money from ticket seekers, she said it is used to strengthen the party organisation and fight elections.

“Money is taken from ticket seekers like it is received from party workers, MPs and MLAs. It is kept in bank accounts to strengthen the organisation and contest polls,” she said.

She said if she would be accepting money for herself, then she would rather take Rs 200 crore offered by the rich to get one Rajya Sabha ticket. “Then I would not take it from 100 people...they claim I take Rs one crore for ticket,” she said.

She also said that while BJP managed to settle its “do number ka paisa” (black money) in the past ten months when the demonetisation move was conceived, the decision was “so ill conceived, half baked and immature that it will lead the party to a permanent political exile in Uttar Pradesh in the coming assembly polls.”

The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said while BSP will emerge as the clear winner in UP polls, BJP and SP will fight for the number two and number three slot. “Congress in UP is already on ventilator,” she said.

FULL COVERAGE: BLACK MONEY CRACKDOWN