The so-called “memorials scam” refers to allegations of financial irregularities in the construction of multiple Dalit memorials, including statues of BSP founder Kanshi Ram and BSP’s election symbol ‘elephant’, during the time of the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh between 2007 and 2012. The Mayawati government had built the memorials, statues and parks at a cost of over Rs 2,600 crore in Lucknow, Noida, and a few other places in the state. This, the Lokayukta said, was 34% of the budget for the construction of memorials and parks. Mehrotra had, however, told reporters that there was no evidence of Mayawati’s personal involvement in the alleged scam. AdvertisingDon’t miss in Express Explained | After Babri Masjid demolition: Can Ram Temple swing voters?

Source: Indian Express January 31, 2019 12:00 UTC