http://www.timesnow.tv/NewsDtls.aspx?NewsID=3745
Maya to immortalise herself 10/23/2007 4:06:07 PM Mayawati has announced intentions to erect statues of herself Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati is all set to transform the landscape of Lucknow. In a move that will ensure an imprint of her BSP party on the city, Mayawati has announced intentions to erect statues of herself The City of Nawabs will soon see statues of Mayawati at prime locations. The buzz is that these are not going to be any ordinary statues. In fact, they will see Mayawati being depicted as a Goddess. The statues will be erected at more than 40 prime spots in Lucknow. "Erecting statues was Kanshi Ram's wish, it's not my idea alone. All these developments are taking place according to Kanshi Ram's instructions," responded Mayawati. A budget of Rs 1.5 crores has already been sanctioned for the purpose. The cost of renovation is reported to be a whopping 124 crores in some locations. The move comes after Maywawati had earlier kicked off construction of memorial of BSP mentor Kanshi Ram in the first week of October. Opposition Leaders in Uttar Pradesh, meanwhile, have expressed their displeasure regarding Mayawati's desicion to erect statues. "This is not right for a CM to erect statues of herself. I request her not to use government funds for erecting statues, it's not right," Om Prakash singh, BJP leader said. "Statues are installed for those who are dead. The well-wishers may do it later on when the person is no more in this world. This is some new tradition started by her," Ashok Bajpai, senior Samajwadi Party leader, opposed.