New Delhi: BSP supremo Mayawati Tuesday defended in the Supreme Court the construction of life-size statues of herself in Uttar Pradesh, saying they represent the "will of the people".

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister, in an affidavit filed in the apex court, said the memorials and statues of herself and other leaders are "intended to promote values and ideals of various sants, gurus, social reformers and leaders among the public and not intended to promote the symbol of BSP or to glorify" her.

Mayawati said in her affidavit that her statues came into being "as the will of the state legislature to represent the will of the people".

She said funds for construction of the memorial and installation of statues were sanctioned through budgetary allocations after approval of the budget by the state legislature.

Mayawati also sought the dismissal of a plea, which alleged that pubic funds were misused in the construction of memorials and statues, saying it is politically motivated and a gross abuse of process of court of law.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Pathanamthitta (Kerala) (PTI): Malayalam Actor Santhosh Nair was killed after a road accident at Enathu in the district in the early hours of Tuesday, police said.

The accident occurred around 6.30 am when the car in which Nair was travelling collided with a lorry, leaving him and his wife injured.

Nair suffered critical injuries after his chest hit at steering wheel of the vehicle, police said.

His wife suffered a fracture in her ribs, they added.

Nair made his debut in cinema with the 1982 film "Ithu Njangalude Katha" and went on to act in over 100 films, donning a wide range of roles, including villain, hero, supporting roles etc.

His latest film, "Mohiniyattam", is currently running in theatres.