This Article is From Sep 09, 2009

SC questions economics of Maya's statues

New Delhi, Lucknow:

If there is one thing that makes the nation furious is the waste of money by politicians, especially when it boosts their image.

Mayawati's dreams could remain incomplete if the Uttar Pradesh government keeps its word to carry out no further construction at any of her nine pet memorial projects across the city.

The promise came after the Supreme Court hauled them up for violating an earlier order, which had stalled the demolition of structures on seven properties in Lucknow, which included Mayawati's bungalow as well as those of many of her opponents on Lucknow's posh Mall Avenue.

In its judgement, the SC said, "If it is true that Rs 2000 crore of public money is being spent then we have to examine it . This is a serious issue."

The state government said the demolitions were done much before the SC order, and most of the construction work - statues, a BSP office and parking lots -- have already been built.

Across the city, most of the construction work at the sites mentioned in the petitions is complete. But given that the Ambedkar Sthal is her most ambitious project and the one closest to her heart, even the remaining bits of work at the site are likely to be a cause of worry for Mayawati.

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