Lucknow, October 6
Following the Supreme Court’s initiation of contempt proceedings against Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Atul Kumar Gupta today, work at various memorials sites came to a grinding halt, the second time within a month.
Earlier taking cognisance of media reports about work on the memorials continuing despite BSP leader and advocate SC Mishra’s September 8 assurance before the court, the apex court had threatened of contempt proceedings following which work had come to a temporary halt on September 11.
Amidst rumours of the axe falling on the chief secretary anytime, there was also speculation that it may happen some time after his personal appearance in the apex court on November 4.
Meanwhile, the demand for the Governor to intervene and Chief Minister Mayawati to resign today became shriller following the SC’s strictures.
Samajwadi Party chief spokesperson Rajendra Chadhury, in a release, said the apex court’s observation against the state government was grave. Demanding their resignation of Chief Minister Mayawati he said, “The chief minister cannot escape responsibility by using her officers as pawns.”
