BSP activists protest over proposal to set up new park in Lucknow

Lucknow, Aug.7 (ANI): Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) activists on Tuesday staged a protest against a Samajwadi party (SP) proposal to create a new park in memory of former cabinet minister and party veteran Janeshwar Mishra.

Bahujan Samaj Party activists gathered outside the proposed land for the Janeshwar Mishra Park and shouted slogans against further construction inside the park.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had laid the foundation stone of the proposed Janeshwar Mishra Park on August 5.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader, Swami Prasad Maurya said that this new proposal highlighted the vindictive attitude of the incumbent government.

"Today, they want to change the name of the Green Park established after the name of Dr. Ambedkar to Janeshwar Mishra Park. This proposal shows their feeling of political vindictiveness and Bahujan Samaj party is against this decision and warn the Samajwadi Party to change the name of the park to its original name immediately. If it fails to do so then BSP will create problems for SP," said Maurya.

Echoing similar views, another Bahujan Samaj Party leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui termed the new proposal as a complete disrespect towards Dr. B.R Ambedkar, the father of the Constitution.

"The park named after Ambedkar to whom the entire nation pays respect and if they change this name then it shows complete insolence on their part and we will not tolerate this. We will continue to protest keeping in mind the party norms," said Siddiqui.

The newly proposed park would be spread over 300 acres and would have plantation, public utility services, cycle and walking track and water bodies.

The park, which is part of a huge green belt with an area of around 600 acres, was supposed to be named as Ambedkar Green Garden.

However, after the Samajwadi Party formed the government, it proposed for the setting up of the new park in the name of Janeshwar Mishra.

Former chief minister Mayawati had blanketed hundreds of acres of prime real estate in Lucknow and elsewhere in pink marble and sandstone monuments.

Mayawati has faced criticism in the past for her celebrations and for building parks with massive statues of Dalit icons and leaders including herself. She has also been accused of using public funds for her party, a charge she denies.

Take the flap over the life-sized elephant statues Mayawati had erected in a sprawling Lucknow park, which she opened in 2008 and named after the untouchable leader who wrote India's constitution, Dr. B.R Ambedkar. (ANI)