Ghaziabad (U P), June 30: Rashtriya Kranti Dal chief Kalyan Singh today alleged that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati had herself signed a cheque releasing Rs 17 crore to the contractors building the controversial Taj heritage corridor, and dismissed as a "white lie" her claims that she knew nothing about the project. Talking to reporters here, the former chief said as Mayawati had herself signed the cheque, the question of her being ignorant about the project did not arise.
The project, which involved filling up the Yamuna river behind the Taj Mahal in Agra to build shopping malls, was suspended after the Union Tourism Ministry intervened. Mayawati had said the project was sanctioned without her knowledge and ordered an inquiry.
Singh also alleged that Mayawati had deposited huge amounts of money acquired through corrupt means in banks abroad.
He accused the BJP of shielding the Chief Minister and demanded immediate dismissal of her government.
Bureau Report