Dr Singh told me I am like his sister, says Maya

With Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati announcing unconditional support to the United National Progressive Alliance government, the Bahujan Samaj Party leader has sought to outsmart the Samajwadi Party, which has been demanding the state government's dismissal.

"When I called Dr Singh to congratulate him, he told me that I was like his younger sister and I should support the government. We have authorised S C Misra to deliver letters of support to President and the same will be done on Tuesday. The support is unconditional," she announced at a convention in Lucknow on Tuesday.

Political analysts point out the cases pending against her with the Central Bureau of Investigation would have forced her to back the UPA government.

Later, the Samajwadi Party, too, extended its support to the Congress-led government.