"If the government allocates 12-13 acres of land for it, it would not be sufficient for the memorial. For such a grand memorial for Ambedkar, at least 30-40 acres of land would be required. In 12-13 acres, no grand memorial can be built," she told reporters outside Parliament House.
"We will not accept if the government makes a memorial for Ambedkar in 12-13 acres of land. He will have to be given his due respect as he is the father of our Constitution," she said.
Earlier, the government announced in both Houses of Parliament transfer of prime Indu Mill land in Mumbai to Maharashtra government for constructing a memorial to Amedkar, meeting a long pending demand of several political parties in the state.
Reports had it that the total land of the now defucnt Indu mill was of 12.5 acres.
Mayawati raised the issue in a big way in Rajya Sabha. Even though Chairman Hamid Ansari said a statement by the government is listed in the agenda and the announcement will be made at noon, she insisted that the Question Hour be suspended and the statement be made forthwith leading to the adjournament of the House.
When the House reassembled and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla announced the decision to transfer land, Mayawati asked the details of the memorial plan seeking to know how much money would be spent on it and how much land would be allocated for the purpose. (More)