Dalit statues row: 'Feelings of all classes should be respected', says Congress

New Delhi, Apr 14 (ANI): Hours after Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati warned the Samajwadi Party (SP) Government in Uttar Pradesh to stay away from the parks and statues constructed during her regime, Congress Party on Saturday said the feelings of all classes should be respected, and added that no one should play with the statues.

"As far as the statues are concerned, this is our strong opinion that the feeling of all classes should be respected. And of course, no one should play with their statues," said Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi.

Responding to a question whether Mayawati was trying to revive her lost power through the Dalit icons, Alvi said: "You show ask about this to Mayawatiji. We just have to say only this

Mayawati earlier today said the law and order situation might worsen not only in Uttar Pradesh, but across the country if the SP Government plans to make new constructions in the parks where the statues of Dalit icons have been erected.

Addressing a gathering in Lucknow on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, Mayawati said: "As per reports published in various newspapers, I would like to tell the Samajwadi Party Government that if it plans to make new constructions in the parks where statues of Dalit icons have been erected, then not only in Uttar Pradesh but the law and order situation may worsen in the whole country over this."

When asked to comment on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's meeting with the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, over demands for central funds, Alvi said: "The Central Government helps all states financially for development. And the assistance that is being granted by our government (UPA Government) was never provided before."

"If he has asked for some help then the Prime Minister will definitely think about it," he added.

Akhilesh Yadav met with the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, at the latter's official, 7 Race Course Road, residence here earlier in the day, and sought central assistance for development of Uttar Pradesh.

Akhilesh after the meeting said the Prime Minister has assured him that the Centre will assist all schemes of the state government.

"I had a very good meeting with the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has assured that all money, which is to be given to Uttar Pradesh as per various central schemes, will be provided," he said. (ANI)