Maya statues: SP to observe Shok Diwas today

The Samajwadi Party (SP) has decided to observe June 26 as “Shok Diwas” to protest against Chief Minister Mayawati’s decision to unveil her statues in Lucknow. According to the SP’s plan,partyworkers will gather on the premises of the district headquarters across the state and protest against the government’s decision to spend huge money on the constructions of the statues. “In Indian culture,the statue of any person is erected only after his or her death. Her desire to construct the memorials has claimed the lives of more than 10 lakh trees,” state president of SP Akhilesh Yadav told mediapersons. Meanwhile,the party has demanded the government to call the session of the state Assembly immediately and declare the state as drought-affected. Yadav has also selected his new team of state district units.