BJP Scraps Shivalaya Park Plan in Kanpur
In Kanpur, the BJP-ruled Kanpur Municipal Corporation (KMC) recently decided to scrap its controversial proposal to establish a “Shivalaya Park.” This plan faced significant backlash not only from opposition parties but also from members within the BJP itself. The proposed park was to be built on the premises of the existing Buddha Park, a well-known site dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The KMC had envisioned showcasing 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in the Shivalaya Park, along with creating various recreational facilities. However, the proposal was met with fierce resistance. Critics, including BSP leader Mayawati and Aazad Samaj Party chief Chandrashekhar Azad, voiced concerns that altering the Buddha Park would offend Dalit sentiments, as it is a place symbolizing equality and compassion.
Mayawati publicly thanked the Uttar Pradesh government for scrapping the proposal, emphasizing the need to maintain harmony and peace in the community. She argued that such a project could have led to unrest among the Scheduled Caste (SC) communities. Similarly, Azad urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to reconsider the plans, highlighting the park's significance as a space associated with Ambedkar and Buddha's ideals.
Interestingly, even within the BJP, some corporators expressed their discontent with the proposal. Corporator Neeraj Kureel, representing the SC community, indicated that the original proposal had not given due consideration to the sentiments of the people. He suggested that instead of creating a new park within the Buddha Park, efforts should be focused on beautifying the existing space.
This controversy underscores the crucial role of Dalit voters in Uttar Pradesh politics, especially as the state prepares for upcoming elections. The BSP has historically enjoyed a strong base among Dalits, and the declining influence of the party has prompted others, including the Samajwadi Party and Congress, to reach out to this demographic.
As the KMC clarified that there are no current plans for the Shivalaya Park and that the confusion arose from a survey of nearby vacant land, the political dynamics around this issue remain significant. The controversy reflects broader tensions in Uttar Pradesh, where the sentiments of the Dalit community are pivotal to political success.
