Modi Govt A Sinking Ship, Even RSS Has Stopped Supporting It: Mayawati

In the run-up to the last and final phase of the Lok Sabha polls, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday accused the BJP of not fulfilling election promises while asserting that even the BJP's ideological mentor RSS has stopped supporting the party fearing public backlash.

"The country has already seen a number of leaders in form of sevak (servant), mukhya sevak (chief servant), chaiwala (tea vendor) and chowkidaar (watchman), who indulge in misleading the people. But, the country now needs a pure Prime Minister who can run the country in accordance with welfare spirit of the Constitution...The public has already been fooled by people of dual character, and will not be fooled any more," she said at a press conference in Lucknow.

The BSP chief said the BJP government is a sinking ship.

"The boat of Narendra Modi government is sinking, and everyone knows this. The biggest example of of this is that the RSS is also deserting them (Modi government). I cannot spot them (RSS workes) anywhere in the election doing hard work (for the BJP) with their 'jholaa' (bags) thanks to the non-fulfilment of promises and the intense resentment of the people. As a result of this, Modi is sweating."

The BSP supremo also took a jibe at temple visits by politicians saying it has become a "fashion" for candidates contesting polls to offer prayers before elections.

Mayawati, who isn't known for doing road shows, also pressed for the cost of such exercises to be included in candidates' expenditure.

"Roadshow and worshipping at different religious places has become a new fad, in which a lot of money is being spent. Election Commission should add this expenditure in the expenses of the candidate. Our party also demands to election commission that the money being spent on road show by any leader should also be added in the expenditure of the candidate from the constituency," said Mayawati.

Her comments come a day after Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath offered prayers at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain.

Mayawati also said that coverage of politicians visiting religious places while being banned by EC from campaigning must be stopped by the poll body.

"During a ban on a candidate for violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC), if they go to a public place or offer prayers at a temple and it is widely covered by media. This practice must also be banned. Election Commission should take action on it," she said.

Exuding confidence of doing well in the ongoing general elections, Mayawati said people have experienced "enough deceit due to dual-character of some leaders".

"But this time, it is not going to happen," she added.

The last phase of polling will be held on May 19 and results will be declared on May 23.

(With inputs from agencies)