UP: Model code of conduct

The election commission's directive to cover statues of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati and that of her election symbol elephant in Uttar Pradesh and Noida during the assembly polls has not gone down well with some politicians, social activists and BSP members. They strongly feel that such a move was unwarranted. Many have termed the move anti-Dalit.

Janata Dal United (JDU) national general secretary Afaque Ahmed says rather than covering statues the EC should concentrate on monitoring pro-Mayawati people in the administration so that election can be held in a fair way.

Brushing aside criticism, the EC has defended its decision claiming that it was issued in accordance with the model code of conduct. Based on complaints filed by opposition leaders that innumerable Maya statutes and her party symbol may influence voters during election campaign, the EC issued the missive.

But Azamgarh-based social activist Vinod Sharma is not convinced with this argument. He tells TSI: "If this is the case then EC should also think of banning party symbols of others like Samajwadi Party's bicycle, Bhartiya Janata Party's lotus and Rashtriya Lok Dal's hand pump. Let us be fair and not victimise a politician only because she is a Dalit. Will the EC stop people from riding the bicycle in UP during election time?"

Keeping the trend alive, many argue that during 2014 Parliamentary elections the EC may also ask for covering of statues of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and other Congress icons.

Obsession with statues is not restricted to only UP. Other states too have their share. In Tamil Nadu, many leaders including Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi love errecting statues. Ironically, during election time the same political party that is in opposition raises objections to such development. In UP too many parties, including the Congress, who are working overtime to improve their tally, feel that Mayawati will benefit from these statutes. Is it so?

New Delhi-based activist Kranti Prakash terms the EC's decision as impracticable and biased.

He said: "In no way statues would have helped Mayawati. The oppositions' complaint to EC was unrealistic. Will EC ask people to stop shaking hands as it is party symbol of the Congress?" BSP member Sudhir Goel declined to comment on the issue saying that he was not involved in the election campaign.

Now, it all depends on how Mayawati responds to the EC's order. If she succeeds in convincing the voters that she is being victimised because she is Dalit, chances are that she may be back in the House on a tusker's back.