Faisal Fareed
Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, Oct 9: Sops rained on Uttar Pradesh on Sunday October 9, the occasion being the fifth death anniversary of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram. With the state in election mode, Chief Minister (CM) Mayawati also utilised the opportunity to shower projects with an aim to consolidate base dalit votes.

A total of 484 projects worth Rs 6,035 crore were dedicated by CM Mayawati during a function organised at Kanshi Ram Smarak Sthal in Lucknow on Sunday.

Most of the projects are named after BSP founder Kanshi Ram. The schemes also aim at the dalits of the state with their clusters in the state to be developed with all civic amenities.

In her address she claimed that the projects are a step towards social revolution in the state. "These projects are for everyone. The Sarv Samaj will benefit from them and the line between people on caste will be reduced," she said. CM Mayawati also laid the foundation of housing project for 1720 residents with an investment of Rs 66.53 crore in Meerut, Bulandshahr, Muzaffarnagar, Sonebhadra and Azamgarh.

During the function several Budhist monks also arrived at the scene and chanted hymns. Floral tribute was paid by CM and others amidst the chanting of hymns.

CM Mayawati in her speech also ridiculed the opposition leaders for raising fingers over the construction of memorials and parks in the name of dalit icons. She claimed that these parks have given new face to Lucknow and people are coming to visit them. With an entry fee realised from them they are no more wasteful expenditure but are earning revenues.