WikiLeaks reports false, says angry UP CM Mayawati

WikiLeaks reports false, says angry UP CM MayawatiLucknow, Sep. 6 : A visibly angry and irritated Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Tuesday condemned the recent revelations of the whistle-blowing web site WikiLeaks website about her as utter rubbish and an international and political conspiracy.

Addressing the media here, Mayawati said a report that quoted her right hand man -- Satish Chandra Mishra as telling the United States that she had a "penchant for corruption" was completely baseless.

Mishra, a general secretary of the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh, said: "Reports on WikiLeaks cables is absolutely false. There is no truth in the controversy. I did not meet an US dignitary in
2007. I will file a legal notice and pursue the case till it comes to a logical end."

"This is a conspiracy as elections are around the corner," Mishra added.

According to a secret US embassy cable, Mishra, had also told US embassy officials that the chief minister has a "strong authoritarian streak".

The cable added that Mishra is "fluent in English and serves as the principal interlocutor between the US Embassy and the BSP. He has graciously hosted U. S. Embassy officers at his house".

The cable added, "Mishra has been forthright and frank in his discussions, even to the point of acknowledging Mayawati's penchant for personal corruption and her strong authoritarian streak."

It says, "Mayawati has very weak English language skills and limited exposure to non-Indians and may not be entirely comfortable interacting with Americans. To date, she has preferred to use Mishra in this role, although a future meeting, probably between Mayawati and the Ambassador (with Mishra likely acting as translator) cannot be ruled out."

This cable was dated May 29, 2007 -- 16 days after Mayawati took oath as chief minister on May 13, 2007. (ANI)