New Delhi, July 23: The Samajwadi Party in the Lok Sabha today demanded a judicial probe by a Supreme Court judge into the construction of the Taj heritage corridor, and pressed for dismissal of up Chief Minister Mayawati for claiming she was unaware of the project despite having cleared it. Initiating a discussion on the issue, Ramji Lal Suman said the rs.175-crore Taj heritage corridor was, in fact, posing a danger to historic Taj Mahal.

He alleged the UP government was attempting to stall the Supreme Court directive to the CBI for investigating all aspects including who gave clearance for the corridor.

Suman said Mayawati had repeatedly given statements saying she had no knowledge of the project and even suspended the environment secretary whereas she had signed the file giving the go ahead for it. BSP member Rashid Alvi raised objection to a discussion being held in the house contending that the matter was sub-judice as it was pending in the Supreme Court.

Contesting this, SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav said the matter was not sub-judice. He said tourism and culture minister Jagmohan had visited the site and stopped construction work. He said Mayawati was fully aware of the construction project.

Deputy speaker P M Sayeed said the business advisory committee, which has representation from different political parties, had agreed to a discussion on the issue under Rule 193. Under this provision, there is no voting. Bureau Report