PTI 
 
LUCKOW, Jan 15: In the backdrop of an outcry by the opposition over alleged extortion by BSP cadres for her birthday celebrations, Uttar Pradesh chef  minister Mayawati on Thursday claimed there was not the "remotest link" between her birthday and the killing of a PWD engineer in Auriyya.

"These (opposition) parties carried out various kinds of dramas to defame my party even as we took strong action against all the accused involved in the killing. There was not even the remotest link between my birthday and the killing," Mayawati, who turned 53 today, told reporters here.

"Even the family members of the deceased were satisfied with the police investigation in the case. They met me two days back and said that they were not demanding CBI probe," the UP chief minister said.

Taking a dig at the opposition, she said BSP workers collected "double the amount" of donations for the party this time thanks to their onslaught against her and the party in the wake of the killing of executive engineer M K Gupta last month allegedly by a party MLA. She said the funds were collected for fighting the coming Lok Sabha polls.

"I hope that they (opposition parties) think similarly about our party in future as well so that we can grow. Whenever opposition parties resorted to such obnoxious attacks on BSP, the party has only increased its influence," she said.

BSP observed the day as 'Dhikkar Divas' (condemnation day) after the opposition parties linked collection of money on her birthday to the killing of the engineer.

The main opposition in the state Samajwadi Party observed this day as 'Thu Thu Divas' (Spitting Day).

Mayawati alleged that the opposition parties attempted to link the killing to her birthday keeping in mind the election as her party's influence was growing.

"Had I wished, my party leaders could have replied to the opposition in similar manner but I do not allow my party workers to engage in such cheap politics", she added.