BSP will not contest by-polls on 12 seats in UP: Mayawati

Says at present, she would remain in Delhi and strengthen the party in the states where elections are due in the next two years

BSP will not contest by-elections on 12 seats in Uttar Pradesh, which would fall vacant due to the legislators being elected as MPs, party supremo Mayawati said today.

"Generally, in by-elections, central Election Commission is not involved directly. Due to this, the ruling SP had misused official machinery in these elections. That is why we will not spend our energy in by-elections," Mayawati told reporters here.

"We will do preparations for Assembly polls. There is a possibility that this (SP) government may fall within a year and mid-term polls will be held," she said.

Mayawati said at present, she would remain in Delhi and strengthen the party in the states where elections are due in the next two years.

In Uttar Pradesh, 12 legislators--11 of BJP and one from its ally Apna Dal--have been elected as MPs in the recent Lok Sabha polls and so by-elections are due in the near future.