Another BSP leader quits party

Alleges Mayawati has deviated from the mission of B R Ambedkar and party founder Kanshi Ram

In another jolt to Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati, former MLA and Brahmin leader Ravindra Nath Tripathi quit the party on Saturday, alleging she has been "blinded by greed for money".

Tripathi alleged Mayawati has deviated from the mission of B R Ambedkar and party founder Kanshi Ram and that BSP has become "a party of mafia, goons and capitalists" where internal democracy does mot exist anymore.

"She has been blinded by greed for money," he said, adding he was feeling "suffocated" in the party.

Tripathi, who was MLA from Barsathi constituency in Jaunpur, said he would soon meet his supporters to decide the future course of action.

"First, I was given ticket from Bhadohi seat which was later changed to Badlapur in Jaunpur. Again, I was given ticket from Maddiyahon which was cancelled within seven days," he said, adding he was "insulted".

Earlier, two leaders -- R K Chaudhary and Leader of Opposition Swami Prasad Maurya -- had quit the party, accusing the BSP supremo of selling tickets.

Chaudhary had announced his resignation, accusing Mayawati of "auctioning" tickets to contest Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

"During election time, tickets are allotted to the person who pays the highest amount," he had said.

He said since the death of party founder Kanshi Ram, there has been a marked change in her working style and veteran leaders, who functioned with missionary zeal, were not given adequate weightage.