Not-leaving-bungalow: Mayawati's government residence is now Kanshi Ram memorial
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has come up with a 'genius' plan to not vacate the government residence she has been living in for many years. The sprawling bungalow on 13-A Mall Avenue has been converted into a memorial of BSP founder Kanshi Ram. A board has also been put up at the bungalow which will now remain in 'possession of the party'.
Supreme Court asks former UP CMs to exit bungalows
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court struck down a provision of Uttar Pradesh law which allowed former Chief Ministers to stay in their government residences forever. The apex court asked all CMs to leave government residences as it "would not be guided by the constitutional principle of equality." It noted once out of power, a Chief Minister was like a common man.
How the leafy bungalow became a memorial within days
The conversion of the bungalow to Kanshi Ram's memorial was done merely days after the notice was sent to former CMs to vacate residences within 15 days. A BSP leader said Mayawati will shift to a nearby bungalow no. 9 but the 'Vishram Sthal' was now BSP's 'property'. Contradicting his claims, Estate officer Yogesh Shukla said the bungalow belonged to the state government.
BSP leader says memorial will stay as it is
"The bungalow has a museum and a library. The memorial cannot be converted into government office or be used for another purpose. The BSP will oppose it if state government decides to transform Dalit icon's museum (into anything else)," a senior BSP leader said.
Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav seeks 2 years time to vacate bungalow
Akhilesh Yadav too showed discomfort in vacating the bungalow. He wrote to the estate officer saying he needed two years to find a suitable accommodation. The former CM said he required adequate space because of the Z-plus security cover given to him by the administration. "I will seek the law department's opinion regarding Akhilesh Yadav's request," said Estate Officer Shukla.
