Siddiqui hits back at Mayawati, calls her 'biggest blackmailer'

NEW DELHI: Hitting back at BSP supremo Mayawati, expelled party leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui on Friday called her the "greatest blackmailer of all times". "She said that I blackmailed her, but she is the greatest blackmailer that the country has ever witnessed," Siddiqui said. He also accused Mayawati of torturing senior BSP leaders and compelling them to leave the party. "A number of BSP leaders have been tortured. Few were humiliated and were sacked form the party. Who didn't left they were tortured to that extend that themselves left the party," he said. He also blamed Mayawati for a protest against BJP leader Dayashankar Singh in which derogatory slogans were raised against his family, including his minor daughter. "The protest was held on the orders of the Maharani (Mayawati)," he said. Mayawati had expelled Siddiqui and his son from the party for carrying out "anti-party" activities. "I gave Siddiqui responsibility for the western UP in elections but people came and told me that he is a very big blackmailer," she had said. After his expulsion,  Naseemuddin alleged that Mayawati had demanded Rs 50 crore from him and made objectionable remarks against Muslims. "She demanded Rs 50 crore from me for the party but I said I cannot procure that much amount after selling my residence," Siddiqui said. He also released purported audio clips of his talks with the BSP leader. Reacting to which, Maywati said, "If he can record party president's call and tamper it as per convenience then how can he be expected to fulfill responsibilities." Mayawati accused him of misusing party funds and said when she asked the sacked leader to furnish details about money spent, he did not do so, forcing her to expel him.