Akhilesh accuses Mayawati of political gimmicks

Faizabad, Apr 15 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday accused his predecessor, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, of playing political gimmicks over the parks and monuments built by her in the state.

Questioning how the Dalit community would benefit from statues built by Mayawati, Akhilesh said that her Dalit vote bank was shrinking due to which she has resorted to such tactics.

"What benefits have the Dalits in the state received from the construction of statues and memorials? If the Chief Minister got statues of herself made in her lifetime, how did the Dalit community benefit? This disappointment is haunting her. Her vote bank is receding, due to which she is resorting to political stunts to mislead her own people," said Akhilesh.

Reiterating his stand that he wanted schools and hospitals built in vacant spaces adjoining the massive monuments, Akhilesh further said that BSP supporters won't object this move of his.

"Many hundreds of acres of land are lying vacant. These are valuable lands, located inside the city. If a provision is made for education or healthcare, a children's or a women's hospital, then I don't think that people from the Bahujan Samaj Party regime would have any objections," said Akhilesh Yadav.

He added that he had written to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, asking for a better supply of coal to increase power generation in the state.

"The Samajwadi Party will decide in favour of any steps that will lead to an increase in power generation in Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, I wrote to the Prime Minister yesterday about adequate coal supply to the state so that electricity may be generated," he added.

Earlier, Mayawati had threatened Akhilesh in Lucknow with "dire consequences" if his government fiddled with her parks.

She had further stated that if SP tried to do any such thing, then it would lead to disruption of law and order in UP, and the country as well. (ANI)