M A I N   N E W S

Mayawati wins trust vote

Lucknow, May 17
The Mayawati-led BSP-BJP coalition government in Uttar Pradesh today comfortably passed the first trial of strength in the state Assembly winning the vote of confidence with six votes more than the 211 MLAs whose support she had claimed before being invited to form the government.

In a division pressed by the Opposition, the motion moved by Ms Mayawati received 217 votes in favour while 180 members opposed it in the House with an effective strength of 399 (four seats are vacant) after a debate lasting for more than eight hours.

Earlier, BJP minister Ravi Gautam, who is a member of the legislative council, raised his hand during the hand-count and was admonished by the Speaker. PTI