Mayawati, now a Goddess

We have seen lots and lots of statues of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati coming up in recent times. But here is something new -- a fine arts student from the state has now got the BSP leader down on canvass as a Dalit Goddess.

Mahesh Tripathi, a budding artist from Faizabad, has portrayed her as a Goddess and a crusader for Dalits. The artist claims he has tried to put ground realities on canvas.

"I have not tried to deify Mayawati; all I have tried to do is portray her as a Dalit Goddess because she is someone who Dalit's worship," Tripathi said.

But unlike her statues, the trademark handbag has been replaced with objects that make her look more divine.

"I haven't given her a handbag because she has led a life of simplicity, and has tried to uplift the downtrodden," Tripathi added.

The UP Chief Minister's paintings are drawing in the crowds.

"Themes are quite interesting and very much relevant to the modern time," said B D Pandey, an art enthusiast.

Making gods out of politicians is something we have seen in South Indian politics all along. Even in North India, people wash their feet in milk and treat them as the lord and the master.

But Tripathi says he's not trying to deify Mayawati; he's just representing the empowerment of Dalits through a key Dalit politician.