NEW DELHI, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Senior Indian woman politician Kumari Mayawati announced on Wednesday that she would not contest in the country's general elections due from April 11 to May 19.
The 63-year-old Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief announced her decision at a press conference in Lucknow, the capital of northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
Mayawati said she had decided not to contest keeping in mind the current political situation.
"I have decided not to contest in the Lok Sabha (parliamentary) elections," Mayawati said. "I am confident that my party will completely understand my decision. Our coalition is doing well. I can vacate a seat and contest later if I wish."
Her party has entered into a pre-poll alliance with another major party Samajwadi Party in the state to counter the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP).
The four-time chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and senior parliamentarian said it was more important for the alliance to win more seats rather than her own victory.
Mayawati's BSP has support base in Uttar Pradesh which sends most number of legislators to Indian parliament.
