Mayawati welcomes govt decision to scrap Shivalaya Park proposal in Kanpur

The BSP supremo earlier called the plan “totally inappropriate” in a post on August 31, cautioning that it could “spread unrest and hatred” if implemented.

Speaking to PTI on Wednesday, Kanpur Mayor Pramila Pandey said the idea to build a Shivalaya Park was “entirely the municipal commissioner’s personal plan” and had not been discussed or approved by her or any corporator.

“Neither was it tabled in the municipal house nor in the executive committee. No one had any knowledge of this. The commissioner unilaterally chalked out the plan and even inspected Buddha Park a few days back,” she said.

Pandey also informed that she has asked for the proposal to be scrapped immediately.

She further pointed out that Gautam Buddha Park was developed during the Mayawati regime and holds cultural and historical importance for Dalit and Ambedkarite communities.

Municipal Commissioner Sudheer Kumar, when asked about the controversy, maintained that his recent visit to the park was a “routine inspection” and denied any intent to stir unrest. However, an official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the plan was inspired by Prayagraj’s Shivalay Park and would have featured replicas of the 12 ‘Jyotirlingas’, allowing visitors to learn about their religious significance in one place. —PTI Inputs

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