Maya celebrates b'day, assets case spoils party

The Finance Ministry's decision to challenge the clean chit given by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)to her in a disproportionate assets case spoiled the party.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati celebrated her 52nd birthday lavishly on but the Finance Ministry's decision to challenge the clean chit given by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)to her in a disproportionate assets case spoiled the party.

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Senior Ministry and Revenue Department officials said the High Court would be approached for remedial action relating to the case in the assessment year 2003-04.

"Action will be taken as per law," a Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) spokesperson said when asked to comment on the Centre's response to the ITAT's reprieve to the Chief Minister.

An ITAT order had held that BSP supporters had given her gifts in cash and properties "out of love and affection".

Mayawati, who came to the national capital after a massive birthday bash in Lucknow, backtracked on her recent threat to withdraw support to the UPA government.

"I have no time to convene a meeting of our party (on the issue)", Mayawati told reporters when asked when her party would be withdrawing support to the Congress-led coalition at the Centre.

"I am too busy and so are my party leaders to convene such a meeting", she said, signalling she was not in a hurry on the support issue.