Mayawati (file photo/PTI)

New Delhi: Many Dalit leaders of Congress tried to meet Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati reached her Lucknow residence on Wednesday, following which the grand old party issued her a show cause notice seeking an explanation for her “unauthorized” act.The leaders were turned away from the gate as they had not sought time to meet the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister, who belongs to the Dalit community.Congress Scheduled Caste department national president Rajendra Pal Gautam and the department’s Uttar Pradesh president and MP Tanuj Punia, who were among those who visited Mayawati’s residence, described the visit as a “sudden courtesy call” with “no political overtones”.Congress’ Uttar Pradesh in-charge Avinash Pandey told PTI that the party has taken note of the visit.“This was not an authorized party delegation. We have taken cognizance of the matter and issued a show cause notice. Although we respect him very much, those who attempted to meet him did so in their personal capacity,” Pandey said.Meanwhile, State Congress President Ajay Rai said that the party has not given permission for any such meeting.“Such programs are pre-planned and approved in advance by the top leadership,” Rai said.‘Not true’: Congress MP Punia refutes reports that Dalit leader wanted to send message to Rahul GandhiPunia denied reports which claimed that Dalit leaders had approached Mayawati to convey Rahul Gandhi’s message.Punia told PTI, “This is not right… A meeting of the party’s SC branch under the leadership of Rajendra Pal ji was held in Lucknow on Tuesday evening. Since our party office is close to the BSP chief’s residence, after the meeting, as we passed by Mayawati ji’s residence, we thought of paying a sudden courtesy call to her, as she also comes from our community and is a senior leader.BSP spokesperson Vishwanath Pal said that he had no information about the visit. “I don’t know who went to see Sister. I am not aware of any such visit,” he said, referring to Mayawati.Unfazed by the controversy, Gautam said the visit was “well-intentioned” and had no political implications, adding that its purpose was to check the health of the BSP leader.Gautam said, “It may be a juicy gossip for the media, but as far as I am concerned, I have known Mayawati’s relatives for a long time. Her brother I know well and we meet often. That is why, after our Lucknow meeting, when we passed by his residence, we decided to check if he was available for the meeting.”When asked whether a formal appointment should have been taken, he said that it was not considered necessary as he was familiar with their family.