Faisal Fareed
Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, Nov 20: Addressing the sentiments in Nishad community at Gorakhpur, state chief of Samajwadi Party (SP) Akhilesh Yadav donated Rs two lakhs for construction of a statue of late Jamuna Prasad Nishad on Saturday.

Akhilesh also announced re-investigation into the road accident in which Jamuna Prasad Nishad lost his life.

Akhilesh on his krati rathwas addressing a meeting organised in memory of Jamuna Prasad Nishad who had died in a road accident. "Jamunaji was a great leader of Nishad community. He was falsely implicated in a police case and harassed by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). His death in a road accident still remains a mystery. We will reinvestigate the case in our government," said Akhilesh.

Akhilesh while donating money for construction of Jamuna Nishad's statue also assured of more help in coming days. He stated that the statue will be constructed near the samadhi of the late leader.

Jamuna Prasad Nishad, a strong leader among his community was earlier with SP but won the 2007 election on BSP ticket. He was made fisheries minister by Chief Minister Mayawati but was later removed after his name cropped up in a police case. Later, he died in a road accident.

His wife Rajmati Nishad joined SP and won the Pipraich by-election. Akhilesh also cited that his party has sent ex bandit queen, Phoolan Devi also from Nishad community to Lok Sabha. "During our previous government we have issued directives for providing all facilities to Nishad community which are provided to dalit. The BSP government withdrew the order which reflects that it is anti-Nishad community," he said.

"We know that Jamuna Prasad Nishad was eliminated in a planned manner. The whole matter will be re-opened and probed. Those behind the conspiracy will be punished. We will offer all help to the family of Jamuna Nishad in future," he said.

With this Akhilesh also winded up the seventh phase of kranti rath journey and returned to Lucknow.