Exercise restraint before media: Mayawati to party men

BSP chief Mayawati today asked her party men to exercise restraint while interacting with the media or at open meetings, saying they will have to face criticism like Rahul Gandhi if they do not do so.
"Under present circumstances, I want to advise senior BSP leaders that while interacting with the media or taking part in open debates, specially on sensitive issues, they should put forth their views in writing or they will have to face criticism like Rahul Gandhi," she said at a rally here.
"I take the same precaution while interacting with the media and addressing meeting. I wrote my speeches myself even when I was the chief minister," she said.

Mayawati, who is often targeted by opponents for reading out written text, said she "doubles her efforts" to ensure that opponents do not get a chance to criticise her party.
She asked her party workers not to feel "demoralised by poll surveys of media houses owned by capitalists".
"The owners of all newspapers, TV news channels and survey agencies are run by capitalists. They will create an atmosphere in the favour of those who will serve their purpose after coming to power," she alleged.