Lucknow: Mayawati, immortalized in dozens of statues in sprawling memorials in Uttar Pradesh including one near Delhi, declared today: "No more memorials when I come to power."
The four-time chief minister, accused by her critics of brazen self-promotion, made the dramatic pledge during a public meeting in Lucknow. It is the first of her promises to voters as she campaigns for a comeback in the Uttar Pradesh polls next year.
"When I come to power I will not build memorials, because my work is over. Now I will only focus on development," the 60-year-old said at the meeting to mark the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution and a Dalit icon.
"Modi wants to build small memorials in Ambedkar's name but his memorials will pale in comparison to our Ambedkar memorial in Lucknow," she sneered.
In 2012, Mayawati's BSP or Bahujan Samaj Party lost power in Uttar Pradesh in a haze of corruption allegations. Two years later in the national election, her party was routed again despite her attempts to reach out to sections beyond Dalits - who comprise a fifth of UP.
Three years ago, the Lokayukta or anti-corruption ombudsman in Uttar Pradesh alleged that Rs. 1,400 crore was spent out of public money for the construction of the memorials during Mayawati's regime. A similar memorial in Lucknow is spread across 98 acres. Mayawati also commissioned the Kanshi Ram Memorial and the Eco Park, which cover an area of 228 acres.
The four-time chief minister, accused by her critics of brazen self-promotion, made the dramatic pledge during a public meeting in Lucknow. It is the first of her promises to voters as she campaigns for a comeback in the Uttar Pradesh polls next year.
"When I come to power I will not build memorials, because my work is over. Now I will only focus on development," the 60-year-old said at the meeting to mark the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution and a Dalit icon.
"Modi wants to build small memorials in Ambedkar's name but his memorials will pale in comparison to our Ambedkar memorial in Lucknow," she sneered.
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In 2012, Mayawati's BSP or Bahujan Samaj Party lost power in Uttar Pradesh in a haze of corruption allegations. Two years later in the national election, her party was routed again despite her attempts to reach out to sections beyond Dalits - who comprise a fifth of UP.
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Three years ago, the Lokayukta or anti-corruption ombudsman in Uttar Pradesh alleged that Rs. 1,400 crore was spent out of public money for the construction of the memorials during Mayawati's regime. A similar memorial in Lucknow is spread across 98 acres. Mayawati also commissioned the Kanshi Ram Memorial and the Eco Park, which cover an area of 228 acres.
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