Author: TNN
Publication: The Times of India
Date: July 28, 2016
URL:   http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/2-BSP-MLAs-accuse-Maya-of-selling-tickets/articleshow/53424972.cms

Two BSP MLAs here on Wednesday publicly criticised the party for sloganeering against expelled BJP leader Dayashankar Singh's family and also for being known for selling poll tickets for money.

Shortly after their announcement, Romi Sahni and Brijesh Verma were placed under suspension and directed not to participate in any party activity in future.

Sahni and Verma, who jointly addressed a press conference in Lucknow, said, "While we strongly condemn Dayashankar Singh's comments against our leader, we are equally opposed to BSP workers' remarks against Singh's wife and minor daughter. Our sympathy is with his family."

"Also, it is now universally known that BSP tickets are being sold for money. When we travel to our constituencies or outside, people openly ask us how much we paid to secure a candidature," they added.

The two MLAs who represent Palia and Mallawan assembly seats respectively also clarified that they were not resigning from the party but using the present-day goings on as an opportunity to raise concerns over the deteriorating image of the BSP, and how even rural masses had started to recognise it as a political outfit far removed from the ideals of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, reduced only to selling tickets.

Sahni and Verma also claimed they were called to Lucknow by Mayawati, where she along with senior BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui asked them to pay Rs 5 crore for Palia and Rs 4 crore for Mallawan assembly seats, failing which their candidatures would be cancelled.

They alleged BSP was charging between Rs 2 crore and Rs 10 crore for a BSP tickets for the Uttar Pradesh polls. "Tickets are given to whosoever gives the highest amount. This is very sad. Money is being demanded through party coordinators," they said.