A murder, allegations of extortion and corruption. little seems to be working in Mayawati’s U.P. in a state that has seen little progress, the only growth has been in the number of memorials that have sprung up across Lucknow By Lalmani Verma

One activity that the Mayawati Government in Uttar Pradesh has been pursuing relentlessly is the construction of memorials. As many as 10 memorials have been built or are being built at prime locations in Lucknow. Some are new, others have been constructed after demolishing projects built only a few years ago during Mayawati’s previous regimes. Money, land, manpower—nothing comes in the way, not even the fact that the High Court was seized of the matter.

Critics have called it a waste of resources in a state where social and economic indicators are among the lowest in the country. Political opponents have started speaking out against it. Mulayam Singh Yadav even said his party would raze the memorials if it came to power. But nothing has deterred Mayawati.

To her, this is the BSP’s way of expressing its gratitude to the great men who inspired it. She has been accused of narcissism: at least four of her own statues have been installed at these places and more are on the way. Mayawati has a stock reply: she is fulfilling the wish of her mentor Kanshi Ram, who had willed that her statue be installed wherever his statue was put up. A look at Maya’s memorials.

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Sthal

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