Lucknow: “Behenji” (Mayawati) is a leader and not one among the crowd. She cannot be expected to stand in line with other leaders. She has not said so, but there are indications that she will not attend the Patna rally on August 27 that is being organised by Mr Lalu Yadav. She may or may not send an emissary for the event”, said a senior BSP leader, known to be close to Ms Mayawati.

A section of the media has been claiming that Ms Mayawati has declined to attend the Patna rally, especially after someone uploaded her poster on Twitter in which she is seen sharing space with SP president Akhilesh Yadav who has already confirmed his presence at the rally. “No she has not categorically said that she will not attend the rally but knowing her nature we know that she will not be a part of the crowd. She may send a representative to keep the options open”, the BSP leader said.

Sources said though  Ms Mayawati is all for Opposition unity so as to pose a tough challenge to the BJP, she does not wish to be seen as a “follower of other leaders” after her defeats in 2014 and 2017.