Mayawati

2022-03-19T14:44:26Z

2600:1700:5F0:1E30:D44E:97EF:9673:86CF:

{{short description|18th Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh}}

{{EngvarB|date=November 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Mayawati
| office = [[Bahujan Samaj Party|President of the Bahujan Samaj Party]]
| image = Mayawati.jpg
| caption =
| predecessor = [[Kanshi Ram]]
| footnotes =
| signature =
| office2 = [[List of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh|18th]] [[Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh]]
| predecessor2 = [[Mulayam Singh Yadav]]
| office1 = [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]]
| constituency1 = [[Uttar Pradesh]]
| successor1 = [[Anil Agrawal (politician)|Anil Agrawal]], [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]]
| successor2 = [[President's rule]]
| birth_name = Mayawati Prabhu Das
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1956|01|15}}
| birth_place = [[New Delhi]], India
| death_date =
| death_place =
| party = [[Bahujan Samaj Party]]
| residence = [[Lucknow]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], India
| alma_mater = {{ubl|[[Faculty of Law, University of Delhi]]|[[Kalindi College]]|[[Meerut University]]}}
| occupation = Politician
| blank1 =
| website =
| term_start = 18 September 2003
| term_end =
| term_start1 = 3 April 2012
| term_end1 = 20 July 2017
| term_start2 = 3 June 1995
| term_end2 = 18 October 1995
| term_start3 = 21 March 1997
| term_end3 = 21 September 1997
| predecessor3 = [[President's rule]]
| successor3 = [[Kalyan Singh]]
| term_start4 = 3 May 2002
| term_end4 = 29 August 2003
| predecessor4 = [[President's rule]]
| successor4 = [[Mulayam Singh Yadav]]
| term_start5 = 13 May 2007
| term_end5 = 15 March 2012
| predecessor5 = [[Mulayam Singh Yadav]]
| successor5 = [[Akhilesh Yadav]]
}}

'''Mayawati''' (born 15 January 1956) is an Indian politician.<ref name="cm_profile" /> She has served four separate terms as [[Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh]]. She is the national president of the [[Bahujan Samaj Party]] (BSP), which focuses on a platform of social change for ''Bahujans'', more commonly known as [[Other Backward Class|Other Backward Castes]], [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] as well as [[Religion in India|converted minorities]] from these castes. She was chief minister briefly in 1995 and again in 1997, then from 2002 to 2003 and from 2007 to 2012.

Mayawati's rise from humble beginnings has been called a "miracle of democracy" by [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]], former [[Prime Minister of India|prime minister of India]].<ref name="Tehelka 2008" /> In 1993 [[Kanshi Ram]] formed a coalition with the [[Samajwadi Party]] and Mayawati became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1995. She was the first female [[Scheduled Caste]] chief minister in India. In 1997 and in 2002 she was chief minister with outside support from the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP), the second time only for a year up to 26 August 2003 due to BJP withdrawing support.<ref name="The Tribune 03">{{cite web | title=Mayawati resigns, Mulayam stakes claim BSP snaps ties with NDA * Governor sends report to Centre | website=tribuneindia.com | date=27 August 2003 | url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030827/main1.htm | access-date=19 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070223233424/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030827/main1.htm | archive-date=23 February 2007 }}</ref>

Mayawati's tenure has attracted praise and criticism. Millions of [[Dalit]]s across India view her as an icon, and refer to her as ''Behen-ji'' (sister). She has been praised for her fundraising efforts on behalf of her party and her birthdays have been widely celebrated by her supporters. The rise in her personal wealth and that of her party have been criticised as indicative of corruption.<ref name="CNN 2012" />

After losing the 2012 legislative assembly elections to the rival [[Samajwadi Party]], she resigned from her post as party leader on 7 March 2012. Later that month, she was elected to the [[Rajya Sabha]], the upper house of [[Indian parliament]].

== Early life and education ==
Mayawati was born on 15 January 1956 at [[Lady Hardinge Medical College|Shrimati Sucheta Kriplani Hospital]], [[New Delhi]] into a [[Dalit]] family of [[Jatav]] caste.<ref name="hindudalit1">{{cite web|date=16 April 2016|first=Pankaj|last=Shah|url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/bewildering-turn-of-events-whats-behind-mayawatis-refusal-to-embrace-buddhism-2734192.html|title=A bewildering twist: Why did Mayawati refuse to embrace Buddhism?|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419203303/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/bewildering-turn-of-events-whats-behind-mayawatis-refusal-to-embrace-buddhism-2734192.html|archive-date=19 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="hindudalit2">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/BSP-Mayawati-wont-embrace-Buddhism-now/articleshow/51849413.cms|date=18 April 2016|first=Ambikanand|last=Sahay|title=BSP: Mayawati won't embrace Buddhism now|website=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419140628/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/BSP-Mayawati-wont-embrace-Buddhism-now/articleshow/51849413.cms|archive-date=19 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Burke|first=Jason|date=7 February 2012|title=Mayawati – the untouchable idol of India's most populous state|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/feb/07/mayawati-profile-uttar-pradesh-chief-minister|access-date=18 June 2020|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=IANS |title=Mayawati talks of a secret successor |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/mayawati-talks-of-a-secret-successor-28178-2008-08-09 |access-date=20 September 2020 |work=India Today |date=9 August 2008 |language=en|location=Lucknow|url-status=live|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210607032508/https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/mayawati-talks-of-a-secret-successor-28178-2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/when-mayawati-didnt-recognize-akhilesh-dimple-yadav-a-bodyguards-story-1983228
|title=I Was Mayawati's Bodyguard For 18 years, She Was ''Behen-ji'' The Great
|first=Anant R |last=Zanane
|date=25 January 2019
|website=[[NDTV]]
|quote=Padam Singh is a Jatav Dalit, the same caste that Mayawati belongs to.
|access-date=7 June 2021 |url-status=live
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210607035651/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/when-mayawati-didnt-recognize-akhilesh-dimple-yadav-a-bodyguards-story-1983228
|archive-date=7 June 2021
}}</ref> Her father, Prabhu Das, was a post office employee at Badalpur, [[Gautam Buddha Nagar district|Gautam Buddha Nagar]].<ref name="cm_profile" /> The sons in the family were sent to private schools, while the daughters went to "low-performing government schools".<ref name="Bose 2008" />

Mayawati studied for her B.A. in 1975 at the [[Kalindi College]], [[University of Delhi]] and obtained her [[LL.B.]] from the prestigious [[Faculty of Law, University of Delhi]] in 1983. She completed a [[Bachelor of Education|B.Ed.]] from [[Meerut University]]'s VMLG College, [[Ghaziabad, India|Ghaziabad]], in 1976.<ref name="cm_profile" /> She was working as a teacher in Inderpuri JJ Colony, Delhi, and studying for the [[Indian Administrative Services]] exams, when [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] and Other backward castes politician [[Kanshi Ram]] visited her family home in 1977. According to biographer [[Ajoy Bose]], Ram told her: "I can make you such a big leader one day that not one but a whole row of IAS officers will line up for your orders."<ref name="Bose 2008" /> Kanshi Ram included her as a member of his team when he founded the [[Bahujan Samaj Party]] (BSP) in 1984.<ref name="Singh 2003" /> Mayawati was first elected to [[Indian parliament|Parliament]] in 1989.<ref name="Al Jazeera" />

== Early political career ==
[[File:AkhileshyadavwithMayawati0921.jpg|thumb|Mayawati with [[Akhilesh Yadav]]]]
Kanshi Ram founded the BSP in 1984. Influenced by [[B. R. Ambedkar]], the chief architect of the [[Constitution of India]], the party's primary focus is to improve the situation of [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] and other [[Other Backward Class|disadvantaged groups]] through policy reform, [[affirmative action]] on hiring of members of scheduled castes for government posts, and providing rural development programmes.<ref name="Singh 2003" /> [[Reservation in India]] is a system whereby a percentage of government positions and seats at universities are reserved for persons of backward classes and scheduled castes and tribes. Throughout her political career, Mayawati supported reservation in both government and private sectors for backward classes, with an increase in quotas and inclusion of more communities such as religious minorities and economically weak upper castes.<ref name="IBN Live 2007" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oneindia.com/2008/02/06/mayawati-reservation-private-sector-amendment-constitution-1202307300.html|title=Mayawati demands reservation in private sector, wants amendment in Constitution|work=oneindia|date=6 February 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208184012/http://www.oneindia.com/2008/02/06/mayawati-reservation-private-sector-amendment-constitution-1202307300.html|archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mayawati-wants-dalit-quota-in-judiciary-and-private-sector/articleshow/10197095.cms|title=Mayawati wants dalit quota in judiciary and private sector|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=1 October 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002065811/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mayawati-wants-dalit-quota-in-judiciary-and-private-sector/articleshow/10197095.cms|archive-date=2 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/modi-govt-privatising-projects-to-deny-reservation-in-jobs-mayawati/|title=Modi govt privatising projects to deny reservation in jobs: Mayawati|publisher=[[The Indian Express]]|date=7 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129111334/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/modi-govt-privatising-projects-to-deny-reservation-in-jobs-mayawati/|archive-date=29 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/modi-should-have-gone-into-reservation-in-private-sector-mayawati/article7932880.ece|title=PM should have gone into reservation in private sector: Mayawati|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=30 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321065606/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/modi-should-have-gone-into-reservation-in-private-sector-mayawati/article7932880.ece|archive-date=21 March 2018|last1=Singh|first1=Vijaita}}</ref> In August 2012 a bill was cleared that starts the process of amending the constitution so that the reservation system can be expanded to promotions in state jobs.<ref name="Hindustan Times August 2012" /> Mayawati's career has been called a "miracle of democracy" by former Prime Minister of India [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]].<ref name="Tehelka 2008" /> Millions of Dalit supporters view her as an icon and refer to her as "Behen-ji" (sister).<ref name="BBC 2009" /> Her public meetings have been attended by large audiences, who use slogans such as ''"Kanshi Ram ka mission Adhoora; karegi Behen Mayawati poora"'' (Kanshi Ram's unfulfilled mission will be completed by Mayawati) and ''"Behenji tum sangharsh karo; hum tumhare saath hain"'' (Sister, go ahead with your struggle; we are with you).<ref name="Rediff 2006" />

In its first election campaign in 1984, BSP fielded Mayawati for the [[Lok Sabha]] (Lower House) seat of [[Kairana]] in the [[Muzaffarnagar district]], for [[Bijnor]] in 1985, and for [[Haridwar]] in 1987. In 1989 she was elected as the representative for [[Bijnor]], with 183,189 votes, winning by 8,879 votes.<ref name="CNN-IBN 1989" /><ref name="Subrahmaniam 2010" /> Although BSP did not win control of the house, the electoral experience led to considerable activity for Mayawati over the next five years, as she worked with Mahsood Ahmed and other organisers. The party won three seats in the 1989 national election<ref name="1989 election" /> and two seats 1991.<ref name="1991 election" />

Mayawati was first elected to the [[Rajya Sabha]] (Upper House) of [[Uttar Pradesh]] (UP) in 1994.<ref name="cm_profile" /> In 1995 she became, as head of her party, [[Chief Minister]] in a short-lived coalition government, the youngest [[Chief minister|Chief Minister]] in the history of the state up until that point, and the first female Dalit Chief Minister in India.<ref name="BBC 2009" /><ref name="Patni 2007" /> She won election to the Lok Sabha in two different constituencies in 1996 and chose to serve for [[Harora (Assembly constituency)|Harora]].<ref name="cm_profile" /> She became Chief Minister again for a short period in 1997 and then from 2002 to 2003 in coalition with the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]. In 2001 Ram named her as his successor to the party leadership.<ref name="Al Jazeera" />

=== BSP presidentship ===

On 15 December 2001, in an address during a rally in Lucknow, [[Kanshi Ram]] named Mayawati as his successor.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kanshi Ram, Messiah of Dalits, is no more|url=http://www.oneindia.com/2006/10/09/kanshi-ram-messiah-of-dalits-is-no-more-1160401116.html|date=9 October 2006|work=OneIndia|publisher=Greynium Information Technologies|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406073713/http://www.oneindia.com/2006/10/09/kanshi-ram-messiah-of-dalits-is-no-more-1160401116.html|archive-date=6 April 2016}}</ref> She was elected national president of the BSP for her first term on 18 September 2003.<ref>{{cite news |last=Singh |first=Ramendrah |title=Mayawati @60: BSP chief charting out strategy for UP assembly elections |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/mayawati-60-bsp-chief-charting-out-strategy-for-up-assembly-elections/ |date=14 January 2016 |work=Indian Express |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413164028/http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/mayawati-60-bsp-chief-charting-out-strategy-for-up-assembly-elections/ |archive-date=13 April 2016 }}</ref> She was elected unopposed for a second consecutive term on 27 August 2006,<ref>{{cite news |title=Mayawati elected BSP chief for 2nd term |date=27 August 2006 |url=http://www.oneindia.com/2006/08/27/mayawati-elected-bsp-chief-2nd-term.html |work=OneIndia |publisher=Greynium Information Technologies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406102222/http://www.oneindia.com/2006/08/27/mayawati-elected-bsp-chief-2nd-term.html |archive-date=6 April 2016 }}</ref> for a third term on 30 August 2014<ref name="IBN7 2016">{{cite web | title=Mayawati re-elected BSP president | website=IBN7 | date=25 March 2016 | url=http://www.ibn7.com/politics/item/76279-mayawati-re-elected-bsp-president | access-date=25 March 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408115123/http://www.ibn7.com/politics/item/76279-mayawati-re-elected-bsp-president | archive-date=8 April 2016 }}</ref> and for fourth term on 28 August 2019.<ref>{{cite web | author=PTI | title=Mayawati re-elected as BSP President unanimously | website=The Hindu Business Line | date=28 August 2019 | url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/mayawati-re-elected-as-bsp-president-unanimously/article29281055.ece | access-date=7 October 2019}}</ref>

== Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh ==
As the [[List of Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh|Chief Minister]], Mayawati gained a reputation for [[Good governance|efficient governance]]<ref name="Times 2016">{{cite web | last=Bose | first=Ajoy | title=Mayawati's USP to return as CM is not caste but good governance | date=22 January 2016 | url=http://blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/et-commentary/mayawatis-usp-to-return-as-cm-is-not-caste-but-good-governance/ | work=Economic Times | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517063736/http://blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/et-commentary/mayawatis-usp-to-return-as-cm-is-not-caste-but-good-governance/ | archive-date=17 May 2016 }}</ref> and promoting law and order,<ref name="Lal 2014">{{cite web | last=Lal | first=Ratan Mani | title=Why Badaun gangrape could mark Mayawati's big political return | work=Firstpost | date=3 June 2014 | url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/why-badaun-gangrape-could-mark-mayawatis-big-political-return-1553959.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106080402/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/why-badaun-gangrape-could-mark-mayawatis-big-political-return-1553959.html | archive-date=6 November 2016 }}</ref> winning praise even from opposition parties<ref name="TNN PTI 2003">{{cite web | agency=[[Press Trust of India]] | title=BJP praises Mayawati's governance | work=The Times of India | date=10 March 2003 | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BJP-praises-Mayawatis-governance/articleshow/39890663.cms | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321065607/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BJP-praises-Mayawatis-governance/articleshow/39890663.cms | archive-date=21 March 2018 }}</ref><ref name="PTI 2013">{{cite news | agency=Press Trust of India | title=BSP's regime better than SP, says Digvijay | newspaper=The Hindu | date=8 September 2013 | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bsps-regime-better-than-sp-says-digvijay/article5107048.ece | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002053127/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bsps-regime-better-than-sp-says-digvijay/article5107048.ece | archive-date=2 October 2013 }}</ref><ref name="http://aninews.in 2016">{{cite web | title='Dalit dominant' BSP better than 'Goonda Raj' SP: Beni Prasad Verma | work=ANI News | date=16 May 2016 | url=http://aninews.in/newsdetail2/story39943/-039-dalit-dominant-039-bsp-better-than-039-goonda-raj-039-sp-beni-prasad-verma.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605043420/http://aninews.in/newsdetail2/story39943/-039-dalit-dominant-039-bsp-better-than-039-goonda-raj-039-sp-beni-prasad-verma.html | archive-date=5 June 2016 }}</ref> and other rivals.<ref name="PTI 13">{{cite news | agency=Press Trust of India | title=Maulana Ahmed Bukhari praises Mayawati, says she only knows how to rule | newspaper=The Economic Times | date=22 April 2013 | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/maulana-ahmed-bukhari-praises-mayawati-says-she-only-knows-how-to-rule/articleshow/19679214.cms | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201234733/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/maulana-ahmed-bukhari-praises-mayawati-says-she-only-knows-how-to-rule/articleshow/19679214.cms | archive-date=1 December 2017 }}</ref><ref name="Dixit 2014">{{cite web | last=Dixit | first=Neha | title=In western Uttar Pradesh, riot-affected Muslims bank on Mayawati | work=Scroll.in | date=10 April 2014 | url=http://scroll.in/article/661223/in-western-uttar-pradesh-riot-affected-muslims-bank-on-mayawati | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604035400/http://scroll.in/article/661223/in-western-uttar-pradesh-riot-affected-muslims-bank-on-mayawati | archive-date=4 June 2016 }}</ref><ref name="TNN 2011">{{cite web | agency=[[Times News Network]] | title=Sonia praises Mayawati, calls her symbol of women's empowerment | work=The Times of India | date=19 March 2011 | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sonia-praises-Mayawati-calls-her-symbol-of-womens-empowerment/articleshow/7739939.cms | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321065607/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sonia-praises-Mayawati-calls-her-symbol-of-womens-empowerment/articleshow/7739939.cms | archive-date=21 March 2018 }}</ref><ref name="TOI 2013">{{cite web | agency=Press Trust of India | title=BSP's regime better than SP, Digvijaya says | work=The Times of India | date=8 September 2013 | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BSPs-regime-better-than-SP-Digvijaya-says/articleshow/22414101.cms | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321065607/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BSPs-regime-better-than-SP-Digvijaya-says/articleshow/22414101.cms | archive-date=21 March 2018 }}</ref><ref name="India Today 2009">{{cite web | agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]] | title=Mayawati deserves to be PM more than Advani, Manmohan: Bardhan | work=India Today | date=20 March 2009 | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Mayawati+deserves+to+be+PM+more+than+Advani+Manmohan:+Bardhan/1/33221.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604122406/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Mayawati+deserves+to+be+PM+more+than+Advani+Manmohan:+Bardhan/1/33221.html | archive-date=4 June 2016 }}</ref> In 2007, MP [[Umakant Yadav]] of her own political party, accused in a [[land grabbing]] case, was arrested near her dwelling on her orders.<ref name="oneindia.com 2007">{{cite web | title=Mayawati gets her MP arrested over firing, encroachment | website=www.oneindia.com | date=30 May 2007 | url=http://www.oneindia.com/2007/05/30/mayawati-gets-her-mp-arrested-over-firing-encroachment-1180517936.html | access-date=17 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611153457/http://www.oneindia.com/2007/05/30/mayawati-gets-her-mp-arrested-over-firing-encroachment-1180517936.html | archive-date=11 June 2016 }}</ref><ref name="The Hindu 07">{{cite news |last=Khan |first=Atiq | title=BSP MP held outside Mayawati's house | newspaper=The Hindu | date=31 May 2007 | url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/bsp-mp-held-outside-mayawatis-house/article1849870.ece | access-date=16 May 2016}}</ref> During September–October 2010, at the time of the [[Ayodhya dispute#Title cases|Ayodhya verdict]], her government maintained law and order<ref name="dna 2010">{{cite web | agency=Press Trust of India | title=Ayodhya verdict: Mayawati warns of strict action against trouble makers | work=dna | date=1 October 2010 | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-ayodhya-verdict-mayawati-warns-of-strict-action-against-trouble-makers-1446050 | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203131651/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-ayodhya-verdict-mayawati-warns-of-strict-action-against-trouble-makers-1446050 | archive-date=3 December 2016 }}</ref><ref name="Zee News 2010">{{cite web | title=UP CM asks officials to be vigilant in view of Ayodhya verdict | work=Zee News | date=23 September 2010 | url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttar-pradesh/up-cm-asks-officials-to-be-vigilant-in-view-of-ayodhya-verdict_656928.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924151721/http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttar-pradesh/up-cm-asks-officials-to-be-vigilant-in-view-of-ayodhya-verdict_656928.html | archive-date=24 September 2016 }}</ref><ref name="Rediff 10">{{cite web | title=Mayawati prepares for fallout of Ayodhya verdict | work=Rediff News | date=21 September 2010 | url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/sep/21/ayodhya-mayawati-prepares-for-verdict-fallout.htm | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611023410/http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/sep/21/ayodhya-mayawati-prepares-for-verdict-fallout.htm | archive-date=11 June 2016 }}</ref> and the state remained peaceful.<ref name="Rediff 2010">{{cite web | title=Images: India accepts Ayodhya verdict peacefully | work=Rediff News | date=1 October 2010 | url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/oct/01/slide-show-1-india-accepts-ayodhya-verdict-peacefully.htm | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611020658/http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/oct/01/slide-show-1-india-accepts-ayodhya-verdict-peacefully.htm | archive-date=11 June 2016 }}</ref> Several high-profile criminals and mafia dons were jailed during her terms in office.<ref name="The Tribune, Chandigarh, India 2008">{{cite web | title=Fugitive mafia don Brijesh Singh in police net after 20 yrs | work=The Tribune | date=25 January 2008 | url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080125/main2.htm | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502175636/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080125/main2.htm | archive-date=2 May 2016 }}</ref><ref name="India Today 10022003 2003">{{cite web |last=Mishra |first=Subhash |title=Uttar Pradesh CM Mayawatis Dalit-led regime makes life miserable for Rajput leader Raja Bhaiya |work=India Today |date=10 February 2003 |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/uttar-pradesh-cm-mayawatis-dalit-led-regime-makes-life-miserable-for-rajput-leader-raja-bhaiya/1/207121.html |access-date=16 May 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604112229/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/uttar-pradesh-cm-mayawatis-dalit-led-regime-makes-life-miserable-for-rajput-leader-raja-bhaiya/1/207121.html |archive-date=4 June 2016 }}</ref><ref name="India Today 30061997 1997">{{cite web | last=Mishra | first=Subhash | title=Mulayam Singh Yadav takes on Mayawati, but key UF allies stay away | work=India Today | date=30 June 1997 | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mulayam-singh-yadav-takes-on-mayawati-but-key-uf-allies-stay-away/1/274356.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604100125/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mulayam-singh-yadav-takes-on-mayawati-but-key-uf-allies-stay-away/1/274356.html | archive-date=4 June 2016 }}</ref><ref name="TNN 2007">{{cite web | agency=Times News Network | title=Mayawati tables MCOCA-like Bill to end mafia run | work=The Times of India | date=1 November 2007 | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mayawati-tables-MCOCA-like-Bill-to-end-mafia-run/articleshow/2506742.cms | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029201513/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mayawati-tables-MCOCA-like-Bill-to-end-mafia-run/articleshow/2506742.cms | archive-date=29 October 2017 }}</ref> She called for strong anti-rape laws.<ref name="IBN7">{{cite web | title=More amendments needed to make anti-rape law stronger: Mayawati | work=IBN7 | date=16 May 2016 | url=http://www.ibn7.com/india/item/35168-more-amendments-needed-to-make-anti-rape-law-stronger-mayawati | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624042738/http://www.ibn7.com/india/item/35168-more-amendments-needed-to-make-anti-rape-law-stronger-mayawati | archive-date=24 June 2016 }}</ref><ref name="IBN7 16">{{cite web | title=Rise above party politics to stop rapes: Mayawati | website=IBN7 | date=16 May 2016 | url=http://www.ibn7.com/politics/item/35137-rise-above-party-politics-to-stop-rapes-mayawati | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624045806/http://www.ibn7.com/politics/item/35137-rise-above-party-politics-to-stop-rapes-mayawati | archive-date=24 June 2016 }}</ref> Fewer riots,<ref name="timesofindia-economictimes 2013">{{cite web |last=Rai |first=Manmohan | title=Samajwadi Party ruling: Over 3 dozen riots reported in UP in less than 2 years | work=Economic Times | date=9 September 2013 | url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-09-09/news/41903441_1_akhilesh-yadav-government-muzaffarnagar-two-youths | access-date=16 May 2016}}</ref> lowest rapes,<ref name="Shankar Raghuraman 2011">{{cite web | last=Raghuraman | first=Shankar | title=UP has lowest rape rate among all states: NCRB | work=The Times of India | date=28 June 2011 | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/UP-has-lowest-rape-rate-among-all-states-NCRB/articleshow/9020594.cms | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208073910/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/UP-has-lowest-rape-rate-among-all-states-NCRB/articleshow/9020594.cms | archive-date=8 February 2017 }}</ref> and least corruption<ref name="ABP Live 2016">{{cite web | title=ABP News Opinion Poll: BSP less corrupt | work=ABP Live | date=22 April 2013 | url=http://www.abplive.in/india-news/abp-news-opinion-poll-bsp-to-win-185-seats-if-up-polls-are-held-now-306920 | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525112733/http://www.abplive.in/india-news/abp-news-opinion-poll-bsp-to-win-185-seats-if-up-polls-are-held-now-306920 | archive-date=25 May 2016 }}</ref><ref name="In 2009">{{cite web | title=Mayawati cracks whip on corrupt officials: An FIR was lodged against over 5000 people | work=The Indian Express | date=11 September 2009 | url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/crime/mayawati-cracks-whip-on-corrupt-officials/ | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807002224/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/crime/mayawati-cracks-whip-on-corrupt-officials/ | archive-date=7 August 2016 }}</ref> occurred during her tenure as compared to previous or successive governments. In the 2007-2012 assembly, only 124 MLAs were [[wikt:crorepati|crorepati]]s as compared to 271 crorepatis in successive assembly elected in 2012.<ref name="Mishra 2012">{{cite web | last=Mishra | first=Akshaya | title=The crorepati leader: Oh my, how well politics pays! | work=Firstpost | date=12 March 2012 | url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/the-crorepati-leader-oh-my-how-well-politics-pays-241516.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106024322/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/the-crorepati-leader-oh-my-how-well-politics-pays-241516.html | archive-date=6 November 2016 }}</ref> Uttar Pradesh achieved higher [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] [[Economic growth|growth rate]] at 17 per cent<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/a-k-bhattacharya-are-we-underestimating-mayawati-111111600029_1.html|title=A K Bhattacharya: Are we underestimating Mayawati?|last=Bhattacharya|first=A. K.|date=16 November 2011|work=Business Standard India|access-date=7 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/average-growth-rate-in-akhileshs-first-4-years-was-below-mayawati-and-nowhere-near-nitishs/articleshow/57404960.cms|title=Average growth rate in Akhilesh's first 4 years was below Mayawati and nowhere near Nitish's|last=Aiyar|first=Swaminathan S. Anklesaria|date=1 March 2017|work=The Economic Times|access-date=7 August 2018}}</ref> and lesser [[Crime in India|crime]]s under Mayawati regime as compared to previous and successive governments.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/XhW7GrobjR4RRPeLfdscCN/Are-Akhilesh-Yadavs-claims-of-development-in-UP-correct.html|title=Are Akhilesh Yadav's claims of development in Uttar Pradesh correct?|last=Jain|first=Dipti|date=14 October 2016|work=Livemint|access-date=7 August 2018}}</ref>

=== First term, 1995 ===
Mayawati first served as Chief Minister from 3 June 1995 to 18 October 1995 with support of BJP. During this term, the new districts of [[Ambedkar Nagar district]] and [[Udham Singh Nagar district]] were created.<ref name="Singh 2015">{{cite web | last=Singh | first=Anand Raj | title=Mayawati may create new district to tame old foe | work=The New Indian Express | date=12 March 2015 | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/article398789.ece | access-date=14 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604045449/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/article398789.ece | archive-date=4 June 2016 }}</ref>

=== Second term, 1997 ===
Her second term was from 21 March 1997 to 20 September 1997. A drive under her government allotted ''pattas'' or gram sabha lands on lease to thousands of landless residents.<ref name="Prashar 1998">{{cite web | last=Prashar | first=A. S. | title=A powder keg about to explode? | work=The Tribune | date=25 July 1998 | url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/1998/98jul25/saturday/head2.htm | access-date=14 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605115059/http://www.tribuneindia.com/1998/98jul25/saturday/head2.htm | archive-date=5 June 2016 }}</ref> In April 1997, she created [[Gautam Budh Nagar district]] from the district of Ghaziabad, [[Kaushambi district]] was separated from Allahabad district, and [[Amroha district|Jyotiba Phule Nagar district]] from [[Moradabad district]]. In May 1997, [[Hathras district|Mahamaya Nagar district]] was created out of Aligarh district and [[Banda district (India)|Banda district]] was split into Banda and Chatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Nagar.<ref name="India Today 31051997 1997">{{cite web | last=Mishra | first=Subhash | title=Uttar Pradesh CM Mayawati wants to improve administration by creating more districts | work=India Today | date=31 May 1997 | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/uttar-pradesh-cm-mayawati-wants-to-improve-administration-by-creating-more-districts/1/275869.html | access-date=14 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604111215/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/uttar-pradesh-cm-mayawati-wants-to-improve-administration-by-creating-more-districts/1/275869.html | archive-date=4 June 2016 }}</ref> Mayawati carried out review meetings with bureaucrats and suspended 127 officers.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Correspondent|first1=Our|title=Maya's meetings rattle IAS men|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021224/nation.htm#3|publisher=tribuneindia.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323012114/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021224/nation.htm#3|archive-date=23 March 2016}}</ref> She setup Dr Ambedkar Awards and erected over 100 statues of various sizes of Ambedkar in Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad and other key towns.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/mayawatis-ambedkar-fetish/203926|title=Mayawati's Ambedkar Fetish|website=Outlook|access-date=4 November 2019}}</ref>

=== Third term, 2002–03 ===

Her third term was from 3 May 2002 to 26 August 2003. She suspended 12 [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS officers]], including [[Divisional Commissioner (India)|Divisional Commissioners]] and [[District magistrate|District Magistrates]]. Six [[IPS Officers|IPS officers]] were suspended for failing to maintain law and order, while 24 officers were warned to improve.<ref name="The Tribune, Chandigarh, India 2002">{{cite web | title=Maya's meetings rattle IAS men | website=The Tribune | date=24 December 2002 | url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021224/nation.htm#3 | access-date=15 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323012114/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021224/nation.htm#3 | archive-date=23 March 2016 }}</ref> She started 511 acre [[Gautam Buddha University]].<ref name="http://www.outlookindia.com/ 2016">{{cite web | title=Bodhi Has Writ | website=outlookindia.com/ | date=17 May 2016 | url=http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/bodhi-has-writ/237041 | access-date=17 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611083357/http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/bodhi-has-writ/237041 | archive-date=11 June 2016 }}</ref> She renamed King George's Medical University to Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University.<ref name="India Today 28102002 2002">{{cite web | last=Mishra | first=Subhash | title=Mayawati pursued Dalit agenda, ignored governance during her tenure as Uttar Pradesh CM | work=India Today | date=28 October 2002 | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mayawati-pursued-dalit-agenda-ignored-governance-during-her-tenure-as-uttar-pradesh-cm/1/218338.html | access-date=15 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604104923/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mayawati-pursued-dalit-agenda-ignored-governance-during-her-tenure-as-uttar-pradesh-cm/1/218338.html | archive-date=4 June 2016 }}</ref> She suspended three senior officials after review in a couple of administrative divisions.<ref name="Rediff.com 2002">{{cite web | last=Pradhan | first=Sharat | title=Mayawati does it again; suspends 3 top officials | work=Rediff News | date=19 December 2002 | url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/dec/19sharat.htm | access-date=15 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804144529/http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/dec/19sharat.htm | archive-date=4 August 2016 }}</ref>

==== 2007 State and 2009 general election ====
{{Further|2007 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly election}}
[[Uttar Pradesh]], India's most populous state and one of its poorest, is considered pivotal in the politics of India because of its large number of voters.<ref name="Chandrahas 2011" /><ref name="Times July 2010" /> BSP won a majority in the [[2007 Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly election|2007 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections]], due to support of Brahmans.<ref name="Rediff 2007" /> The campaign was accompanied by a colourful slogan: ''Haathi nahin, [[Ganesh]] hain, [[Brahma]], [[Vishnu]], [[Shiva|Mahesh]] Hain'': "The elephant (the BSP logo) is really the Lord Ganesha, the trinity of gods rolled into one".<ref name="Desai 2007" /> 37 percent Brahmins voted for the party.<ref>{{cite web | title="Nobody can stop me" | website=Inside Story | date=14 January 2009 | url=https://insidestory.org.au/nobody-can-stop-me/ | access-date=30 December 2021}}</ref>

The BSP won 20 seats in [[Lok Sabha]] from the state of Uttar Pradesh in the [[Indian general election, 2009 (Uttar Pradesh)|2009 elections]], obtaining the highest percentage (27.42%) of votes for any political party in the state. The party placed third in terms of national polling percentage (6.17%).<ref name="List of Winners" />

=== Fourth term, 2007–12: BSP absolute majority ===
Mayawati was sworn in as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the fourth time on 13 May 2007. She announced an agenda that focused on providing social justice to the weaker sections of society and providing employment instead of distributing money to the unemployed. Her slogan was to make "Uttar Pradesh" ("Northern Province") into "Uttam Pradesh" ("Excellent Province").<ref name="Raina 2007" /> Her government began a major crackdown on irregularities in the recruitment process of police officers recruited during the previous [[Mulayam Singh]] government. Over 18,000 policemen lost their jobs for irregularities in their hiring, and 25 [[Indian Police Service]] officers were suspended for their involvement in corruption while recruiting the constables.<ref name="News Track 2007" /><ref name="Times May 2012" /> Mayawati instituted reforms to introduce transparency into the recruiting process, including posting the results of selection exams online.<ref name="Gupta 2010" />

On 10 August 2007, the Mayawati government proposed 30 per cent reservation in jobs in the private sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/home/mayawati-proposes-30-reservation-in-private-sector_388160.html|title=Mayawati proposes 30% reservation in private sector|publisher=ZEE NEWS|date=11 August 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208112720/http://zeenews.india.com/home/mayawati-proposes-30-reservation-in-private-sector_388160.html|archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> A quota for promotions was also introduced, but was later quashed by the [[Supreme Court of India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Supreme-Court-upholds-High-courts-decision-to-quash-quota-in-promotion/articleshow/12903017.cms?referral=PM|title=Supreme Court upholds High court's decision to quash quota in promotion|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=28 April 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107133419/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Supreme-Court-upholds-High-courts-decision-to-quash-quota-in-promotion/articleshow/12903017.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=7 January 2017}}</ref> In September 2007, Bhimrao Ambedkar Rural Integrated Development Programme was started.<ref name="The Hindu">{{cite news | title=Mayawati to develop gram sabhas | newspaper=The Hindu | date=14 September 2007 | url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/mayawati-to-develop-gram-sabhas/article1911189.ece | access-date=16 May 2016}}</ref> The Dr Ambedkar Gram Vikas Yojana scheme was launched for supplying water, electricity, and constructing roads in villages with a Dalit majority.<ref name="Raote 2012">{{cite news | last=Raote | first=Rrishi | title=Under the elephant's spell | work=Business Standard News | date=24 March 2012 | url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/under-the-elephant-s-spell-112032400005_1.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611135820/http://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/under-the-elephant-s-spell-112032400005_1.html | archive-date=11 June 2016 }}</ref><ref name="The Independent 2008">{{cite web | last=Buncombe | first=Andrew | title=Mayawati Kumari: Untouchable and unstoppable | work=The Independent | date=4 February 2008 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/mayawati-kumari-untouchable-and-unstoppable-777695.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610180818/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/mayawati-kumari-untouchable-and-unstoppable-777695.html | archive-date=10 June 2016 }}</ref><ref name="Forbes India Magazine 2012">{{cite web | title=The Battle For U.P. | work=Forbes India Magazine | date=30 January 2012 | url=http://forbesindia.com/printcontent/32110 | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531161545/http://forbesindia.com/printcontent/32110 | archive-date=31 May 2016 }}</ref> Under this scheme, 24,716 villages received improvements.

In 2008, Mayawati launched, ''Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji Shahri Garib Awas Yojna'', a scheme for building low-cost housing colonies for urban poor with 90,000 low-cost homes under the first round of construction in different towns and cities across the state while a second and a third round were still underway when government ended in 2012 and next government scrapped the scheme including cutting down electricity of these colonies.<ref name="Sharma 2014">{{cite web | last=Sharma | first=Supriya | title=Powerless under Akhilesh, the poor in Lucknow want either Mayawati or Aamir Khan | website=Scroll.in | date=19 April 2014 | url=http://scroll.in/article/662299/powerless-under-akhilesh-the-poor-in-lucknow-want-either-mayawati-or-aamir-khan | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604031055/http://scroll.in/article/662299/powerless-under-akhilesh-the-poor-in-lucknow-want-either-mayawati-or-aamir-khan | archive-date=4 June 2016 }}</ref>

Mayawati government started efforts to set up solar power plants and the first 5 MW solar power plant located in [[Naini]] of [[Allahabad district]] started functioning in March 2012 and was developed by EMC Limited.<ref name="Sify 2012">{{cite web | agency=IBNS | title=Akhilesh Yadav gets Mayawati's dividends | work=Sify News | date=22 March 2012 | url=http://www.sify.com/news/akhilesh-yadav-gets-mayawati-s-dividends-news-politics-mdwrF4cjidfsi.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630065446/http://www.sify.com/news/akhilesh-yadav-gets-mayawati-s-dividends-news-politics-mdwrF4cjidfsi.html | archive-date=30 June 2016 }}</ref> UP government signed a MoU with [[NTPC Limited]] for 1,320-MW power plant.<ref name="Reporters 2007">{{cite news | title=NTPC, UP ink MoU for 1,320-Mw plant | work=Business Standard News | date=23 November 2007 | url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/ntpc-up-ink-mou-for-1-320-mw-plant-107112301059_1.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611144852/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/ntpc-up-ink-mou-for-1-320-mw-plant-107112301059_1.html | archive-date=11 June 2016 }}</ref> Mayawati's dream project of 165 km six lane [[Yamuna Expressway]] connected Delhi to Agra through [[Noida–Greater Noida Expressway]], touching 1,182 villages in the state.<ref name="SENSEX 1977">{{cite news | agency=Times News Network | title=Yamuna expressway to become operational this month | newspaper=The Economic Times | date=7 April 2012 | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/personal-finance-news/yamuna-expressway-to-become-operational-this-month/articleshow/12566796.cms | access-date=16 May 2016}}</ref> Later, [[Indian Air Force]] fighter jet [[Dassault Mirage 2000]] test-Landed on Yamuna Expressway as Part of Trials.<ref name="NDTV.com 2015">{{cite web | last=Ghosh | first=Deepshikha | title=Mirage 2000 Fighter Jet Test-Lands on Yamuna Expressway Near Delhi as Part of Trials | publisher=NDTV | date=21 May 2015 | url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mirage-fighter-jet-test-lands-on-yamuna-expressway-near-delhi-764830 | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605135042/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mirage-fighter-jet-test-lands-on-yamuna-expressway-near-delhi-764830 | archive-date=5 June 2016 }}</ref> On 15 January 2008, Mayawati inaugurated the construction of the 1,047 km [[Ganga Expressway]] at the cost of {{INRConvert|30000|c}} for joining [[Ballia]] to Greater Noida.<ref name="Indian Express 2008">{{cite web | agency=Express News Service | title=Ganga Expressway a dead end for Mayawati | work=Indian Express | date=15 January 2008 | url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/ganga-expressway-a-dead-end-for-mayawati/463891/ | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807011539/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/ganga-expressway-a-dead-end-for-mayawati/463891/ | archive-date=7 August 2016 }}</ref> In 2008, Her government established [[Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University]] for the [[Physical disability|Physically challenged]] students.<ref name="Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University 2013">{{cite web | title=Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University | publisher=Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University | date=7 November 2013 | url=http://dsmru.up.nic.in/User/AboutUs.aspx | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719040424/http://dsmru.up.nic.in/User/AboutUs.aspx | archive-date=19 July 2016 }}</ref> In November 2009, Mayawati dedicated [[Noida-Greater Noida Metro|Noida Metro]] constructed at the cost of {{INRConvert|557|c}}.<ref name="Ramachandran 2009">{{cite news | last=Ramachandran | first=Smriti Kak | title=Mayawati hails Delhi Metro's maiden journey into Noida | newspaper=The Hindu | date=12 November 2009 | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/mayawati-hails-delhi-metros-maiden-journey-into-noida/article47204.ece | access-date=16 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="Rawat 2009">{{cite news | last=Rawat | first=Virendra Singh | title=Mayawati launches Noida Metro | work=Business Standard News | date=13 November 2009 | url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/mayawati-launches-noida-metro-109111300067_1.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611152814/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/mayawati-launches-noida-metro-109111300067_1.html | archive-date=11 June 2016 }}</ref> She had vigorously proposed for construction of [[Jewar|Jewar airport]] near [[Noida]].<ref name="The Pioneer 2016">{{cite web | first=Biswajeet | last=Banerjee | title=Decks cleared for Jewar int'l airport in UP | work=The Pioneer | date=2 April 2016 | url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/todays-newspaper/decks-cleared--for-jewar-intl--airport-in-up.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506103608/http://www.dailypioneer.com/todays-newspaper/decks-cleared--for-jewar-intl--airport-in-up.html | archive-date=6 May 2016 }}</ref> In October 2011, Mayawati government under public-private partnership with [[Jaypee Group]] successfully executed and delivered First [[Formula One|F1]] [[Indian Grand Prix]], an international event at [[Buddh International Circuit]], [[Greater Noida]] constructed by Jaypee Group. The event was hailed as flawlessly conducted salvaging some of India's prestige when compared to minor embarrassments in [[2010 Commonwealth Games]] (Before opening ceremony) conducted in [[Delhi]].<ref name="By 2011">{{cite news | agency=Times News Network | title=F1 race: Mayawati, Jaypee show Delhi, Gurgaon how to get it right | newspaper=The Economic Times | date=31 October 2011 | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com//articleshow/10550170.cms | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803031056/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com//articleshow/10550170.cms | archive-date=3 August 2016 | last1=Keelor | first1=Vandana }}</ref><ref name="Rangaswami 2011">{{cite web | last=Rangaswami | first=Anant | title=Vettel won the Indian GP, Maya might have won UP | work=Firstpost | date=31 October 2011 | url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/maya-scores-with-buddha-on-f1-circuit-before-up-poll-119428.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105025409/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/maya-scores-with-buddha-on-f1-circuit-before-up-poll-119428.html | archive-date=5 November 2016 }}</ref><ref name="Keelor 2011">{{cite web | last=Keelor | first=Vandana | title=F1: Mayawati, Jaypee show Delhi, Gurgaon how to get it right | work=The Times of India | date=31 October 2011 | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/F1-Mayawati-Jaypee-show-Delhi-Gurgaon-how-to-get-it-right/articleshow/10547203.cms | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102154242/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/F1-Mayawati-Jaypee-show-Delhi-Gurgaon-how-to-get-it-right/articleshow/10547203.cms | archive-date=2 November 2011 }}</ref> Mayawati presented the winning trophy to winner [[Sebastian Vettel]].<ref name="ht 2011">{{cite web | agency=Press Trust of India | title=Mayawati presents winning trophy of Indian GP to Vettel | work=Hindustan Times | date=30 October 2011 | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/mayawati-presents-winning-trophy-of-indian-gp-to-vettel/story-ERZubQzJ1MvdTsY4E1b3PO.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809015058/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/mayawati-presents-winning-trophy-of-indian-gp-to-vettel/story-ERZubQzJ1MvdTsY4E1b3PO.html | archive-date=9 August 2016 }}</ref> Foreigners found the track as 'impressive'<ref name="Baldwin 2011">{{cite web | last=Baldwin | first=Alan | title=Indian F1 track shines despite teething problems | work=Reuters India | date=27 October 2011 | url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-60152020111027 | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605045901/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-60152020111027 | archive-date=5 June 2016 }}</ref> and 3 Indian teenagers picked by a [[Formula One|F1]] panel to train them as future Formula One drivers in Europe.<ref name="Chakraborty 2011">{{cite web | last=Chakraborty | first=Amlan | title=Three Indian teenagers picked for F1 fast track | work=Reuters India | date=27 October 2011 | url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-60161820111027 | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605061912/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-60161820111027 | archive-date=5 June 2016 }}</ref>

Mayawati has seen through to completion of several memorials dedicated to icons of [[Bahujan Samaj]] build first time in India, including the [[Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji Green Eco Garden]] (inaugurated March 2011),<ref name="The Hindu 4 March 2011"/> the [[Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal and Green Garden]] (inaugurated October 2011),<ref name="Yaho News 14 Oct 2011"/> and the [[Ambedkar Memorial|Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Prateek Sthal]] (opened November 2012).<ref name="Srivastava 2012"/> She renamed Amethi district as Chattrapati Sahuji Maharaj Nagar,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-amethi-to-form-part-of-new-uttar-pradesh-district-1403841|title=Amethi to form part of new Uttar Pradesh district|date=1 July 2010|work=DNA India|access-date=4 November 2019|language=en-US}}</ref> Kanpur Dehat as Rambai Nagar, Sambhal as Bheem Nagar, Shamli as Prabuddha Nagar, Hapur as Psanchseel Nagar, Kasganj as Kanshiram Nagar, Hathras as Mahamaya Nagar and Amroha as JP Nagar.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/up-government-changes-names-of-eight-districts-mayawati-fumes/articleshow/15109160.cms|title=UP government changes names of eight districts, Mayawati fumes|date=23 July 2012|work=The Economic Times|access-date=4 November 2019}}</ref>

Mayawati during her tenure directed all the Commissioners and the District Magistrates to distribute 3 acre land pieces or pattas to weaker sections of society by launching special drive for illegal possesses of pattas be dispossessed of them and the eligible poor be identified by regular monitoring of pattas and strict action against the mafias and musclemen through spot verification of different development and public welfare programmes.<ref name="OdishaDiary 2010">{{cite web | title=Uttar Pradesh CM Mayawati directs officials to distribute pattas by launching special drive | website=Orissa Diary | date=16 June 2010 | url=http://www.orissadiary.com/CurrentNews.asp?id=19170 | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617160409/http://www.orissadiary.com/CurrentNews.asp?id=19170 | archive-date=17 June 2016 }}</ref> In 2010, 5596 people belonging to the SC and ST communities were allotted 1054.879 hectares of agriculture land. In a special drive 74 FIRs were filed and 88 people were arrested for illegal occupation from agricultural land.<ref name="PTI 2016">{{cite web | agency=Press Trust of India | title=Mayawati upset over encroachment on SC, ST land | work=The New Indian Express | date=19 June 2010 | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/article440442.ece | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605052146/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/article440442.ece | archive-date=5 June 2016 }}</ref><ref name="timesofindia-economictimes 2010">{{cite web | title=Mayawati give land holdings to dalits | work=Economic Times | date=11 June 2010 | url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-06-11/news/27575728_1_allotment-landless-patta | access-date=16 May 2016}}</ref> ''Sugar Information Service'' a model website supported by [[SMS]] and [[Interactive voice response|IVRS]] facility was developed.<ref name="economictimes 12">{{cite web |first=Manmohan |last=Rai | title=Sugarcane farmers benefit through SIS system in Uttar Pradesh | work=Economic Times | date=24 February 2012 | url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-02-24/news/31095613_1_cane-farmers-cane-commissioner-kamran-rizvi-cane-cultivation | access-date=16 May 2016}}</ref> Mayawati dedicated the {{INRConvert|63.5|c}} 286-bed super-specialty Centenary hospital in Lucknow and 50-bed critical care unit at [[King George's Medical University|CSMMU]]<ref name="Indian Express 10">{{cite web | title=...and a 286-bed hospital 'dedicated' to people in Lucknow | website=Indian Express | url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/...and-a-286bed-hospital--dedicated--to-people-in-lucknow/567680/ | access-date=17 May 2016}}</ref> and increased salaries of doctors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=/ST/db/read.php?idx=6810|title="Mayawati Government's Decision Will Improve Medical Teaching": Prof. Rama Kant|website=The Seoul Times|access-date=4 November 2019}}</ref> Mayawati, in 2007, launched<ref name="www.oneindia.com 2007">{{cite web | title=Super speciality hospital for poor in Kanshi Ram's memory | website=www.oneindia.com | date=29 September 2007 | url=http://www.oneindia.com/2007/09/27/super-speciality-hospital-for-poor-in-kanshi-rams-memory-1191039668.html | access-date=17 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611154335/http://www.oneindia.com/2007/09/27/super-speciality-hospital-for-poor-in-kanshi-rams-memory-1191039668.html | archive-date=11 June 2016 }}</ref> {{INRConvert|500|c}} [[Greater Noida Medical University|Manyawar Kanshiram Multi-speciality Hospital]] in Greater Noida which started its OPD services in April 2013.<ref name="TNN13">{{cite web | last=N | first=TN | title=OPD at Kanshiram hospital in Greater Noida starts | website=The Times of India | date=3 April 2013 | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/OPD-at-Kanshiram-hospital-in-Greater-Noida-starts/articleshow/19353484.cms | access-date=17 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031083728/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/OPD-at-Kanshiram-hospital-in-Greater-Noida-starts/articleshow/19353484.cms | archive-date=31 October 2017 }}</ref> Mayawati government also spent {{INRConvert|510|c}} on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Multi Speciality Hospital in Sector 30 of Noida.<ref name="Aradhak 2013">{{cite web | last=Aradhak | first=Purusharth | title=Noida to have India's best child medical institute: UP chief secretary | website=The Times of India | date=2 September 2013 | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/Noida-to-have-Indias-best-child-medical-institute-UP-chief-secretary/articleshow/22222572.cms | access-date=17 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904075137/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/Noida-to-have-Indias-best-child-medical-institute-UP-chief-secretary/articleshow/22222572.cms | archive-date=4 September 2015 }}</ref>

Her government also instituted ''Sant Ravidas Kala Samman Award'' with a cash prize of {{INRConvert|1.25|l}}.<ref name="Zee News 2009">{{cite web | title=UP Govt institutes Sant Ravidas Kala Samman Award | work=Zee News | date=9 December 2009 | url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttar-pradesh/up-govt-institutes-sant-ravidas-kala-samman-award_586078.html | language=la | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924151312/http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttar-pradesh/up-govt-institutes-sant-ravidas-kala-samman-award_586078.html | archive-date=24 September 2016 }}</ref> Under ''Savitri Bai Phule Balika Shiksha Madad Yojna'', Mayawati distributed over 10 lakh bicycles among Muslim and poor school girls from 2008 to 2011.<ref name="India Today 21112011 2011">{{cite web | first=Amitabh | last=Srivastava | title=UP polls: Mayawati uses rival Mulayams election symbol bicycle | work=India Today | date=12 November 2011 | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/up-polls-mayawati-uses-rival-mulayam-singh-yadavs-election-vehicle/1/159608.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604123902/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/up-polls-mayawati-uses-rival-mulayam-singh-yadavs-election-vehicle/1/159608.html | archive-date=4 June 2016 }}</ref><ref name="Zee 2011">{{cite web | title=UP: Scholarship, cycle for Muslim girls' education | website=Zee News | date=26 July 2011 | url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttar-pradesh/up-scholarship-cycle-for-muslim-girls-education_722271.html | language=la | access-date=17 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924161451/http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttar-pradesh/up-scholarship-cycle-for-muslim-girls-education_722271.html | archive-date=24 September 2016 }}</ref>

After coming to power in 2007, Mayawati wrote letters to the [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] regarding partitioning of Uttar Pradesh into four different states in 2007, in March 2008 and December 2009.<ref>{{cite news|title=UP division Mayawati asks Congress, BJP to clarify stand|url=http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2011/11/16/up-division-mayawati-asks-congress-bjp-to-clarify-stand/ |work=The Shillong Times |date=16 November 2011 |access-date=16 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Chief Minister Mayawati said the Centre's inaction over a 2007 letter forced her government to take the matter to the House. |url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/up-division-plan-not-a-political-trick-says-mayawati-135870.html |work=FirstPost |date=21 November 2011 |access-date=16 May 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106064633/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/up-division-plan-not-a-political-trick-says-mayawati-135870.html |archive-date=6 November 2016 }}</ref> Finally on 15 November 2011, Mayawati's [[Cabinet (government)|cabinet]] approved partitioning Uttar Pradesh into four different states ([[Harit Pradesh|Pashchim Pradesh]], [[Awadh|Awadh Pradesh]], [[Bundelkhand]] and [[Purvanchal]]) for better administration and governance.<ref name="ZeeNews 2011" />

On 6 March 2012 the Bahujan Samaj Party [[2012 Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly election|lost its majority]] to the [[Samajwadi Party]] and Mayawati tendered her resignation to the governor of Uttar Pradesh the next day,<ref name="NDTV 2012" /> thereby becoming the first CM to complete five full years in office.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mayawati-tenders-resignation/article2969582.ece?ref=relatedNews|title=Mayawati tenders resignation|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=7 March 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519014112/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mayawati-tenders-resignation/article2969582.ece?ref=relatedNews|archive-date=19 May 2014}}</ref> On 13 March 2012 she filed nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha, and she was declared elected unopposed on 22 March.<ref name="Economic Times 2012" /><ref name="Tripathi 2012-03-22" />

=== Political and legal issues ===
[[File:The Middle Portion with the right Dome in the Backdrop.JPG|thumb|[[Ambedkar Memorial Park]] at night]]

Mayawati's political career has attracted praise and controversy.<ref name="Rediff 2003" /><ref name="Reddit 2011" /> She has been praised for her fundraising efforts on behalf of her party, and her birthdays were major media events as well as a symbol for her supporters. The increase in her personal wealth and that of her party<ref name="Times 2010" /><ref name="CNN 2012" /><ref name="CNN 2010" /> have been viewed by critics as signs of corruption.<ref name="BBC 2009" /><ref name="Daily News 2010" />

==== Taj corridor ====
{{main|Taj corridor case}}

In 2002, the government of Uttar Pradesh began improvements of the infrastructure in the Taj Heritage Corridor, the important tourist area in [[Agra]] that includes the [[Taj Mahal]]. The project was soon riddled with problems, including funds being released for the project without the submission of the required detailed project reports to the environmental authorities.<ref name="Kushal Pal 2003" /> Suspecting there were financial irregularities as well, the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI) raided twelve residences, including Mayawati's. It had filed a [[First Information Report]] against her and seven others two days earlier.<ref name="Rediff 2003 raid" /> The raid uncovered evidence of assets disproportionate to her known income.<ref name="Rediff 2003 Taj" /><ref name="Times Online 2004" /> Afterwards, Mayawati resigned from her own government to prove that she was not "hungry for power"<ref>{{cite news |title=Uttar Pradesh chief quits |work=BBC News |date=26 August 2003 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3181313.stm |access-date=25 March 2016}}</ref> She asked the BJP-run [[Government of India]] to remove [[Ministry of Tourism (India)|Union Tourism and Culture Minister]], [[Jagmohan]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Mayawati offers to resign |work=The Times of India |date=25 August 2003 |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2003-08-25/news/27544146_1_heritage-corridor-scam-bjp-ministers-bsp-leader |access-date=25 March 2016}}</ref> for conspiring this all controversy against her.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/28up.htm|title=Taj row: Mayawati demands Jagmohan's head|website=www.rediff.com|access-date=15 July 2018}}</ref>

In June 2007, Governor [[T. V. Rajeswar]] said that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute her. In his 23-page order, he said: "the fact that the Mission Management Board, consisting of officers of both the State and the Central Government, regularly met and discussed the project and the fact that even a sum of {{INR}} 17 [[crore]]s was spent through the Central Government public sector undertaking, NPCC, all go to show that the serious offences with which Mayawati and the Minister were charged do not stand scrutiny."<ref name="The Hindu 2007" /> Advocates unsuccessfully challenged the governor's decision in court. The Supreme Court rejected the plea of the CBI and refused to direct the governor to prosecute her. The Taj corridor case was effectively ended before going to trial.<ref name="NDTV 2007" /><ref name="Hindustan Times 2007" /><ref name="IBN Live" />

==== Disproportionate assets case ====
In the 2007–08 assessment year, Mayawati paid an [[income tax]] of {{INR}}26 crore, ranking among the top 20 taxpayers in the country. Earlier the CBI filed a case against her for owning assets disproportionate to her known sources of income. Mayawati described the CBI investigation against her as illegal.<ref name="Hindustan Times 2010" /> Her party asserted that her income comes from gifts and small contributions made by party workers and supporters.<ref name="Thakur 2008" /><ref name="Times of India 2010" />

On 3 August 2011 the Delhi High court dismissed the central government's appeal against Mayawati, stating that "she has fully discharged her obligations by disclosing the identities of all of her donors, the gifts had been donated by her supporters".<ref name="The Hindu August 2011" /> The central government decided not to file an appeal in the Supreme Court.<ref name="Indian Express June 2011" /> On 13 March 2012 Mayawati revealed assets worth {{INR}} 111.26 crore in an affidavit filed with her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha.<ref name="Economic Times 2012" /> The disproportionate assets case was finally quashed on 6 July 2012—nine years later—by a Supreme Court bench of Justice [[P Sathasivam]] and [[Dipak Misra]]; the court found that the case was unwarranted.<ref name="Indian Express July 2012" /> Based on an opinion received from the Directorate of Prosecution, the CBI decided not to file an appeal.<ref name="Indian Express August 2012" /> On 4 October 2012 a [[review petition]] was filed by Kamlesh Verma, contending that the case had been dismissed merely on technical grounds, and that the evidence had not been adequately reviewed.<ref name="DNA 4 October 2012" /> On 8 August 2013 the Supreme Court declined a request to re-open the case.<ref name="IBN Live 8 Aug 2013" /> After seeking legal advice, the CBI finally closed their file on 8 October 2013.<ref name="Indian Express 2013" />

==== Bahujan monuments ====
In her tenures as a Chief Minister, Mayawati commissioned the production and public display of several monuments<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/10/28/141775668/in-india-once-marginalized-now-memorialized|title=In India, Once-Marginalized Now Memorialized|work=NPR.org|access-date=15 July 2018}}</ref> having parks, gallerias, museums,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-mayawati-unveils-more-ambedkar-parks-1477739|title=Mayawati unveils more Ambedkar parks|date=7 December 2010|work=dna|access-date=15 July 2018}}</ref> memorials, murals<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/india/statues-on-display-again/photo-qeyMlF2osyLoBmMnsOMXSO.html|title=Statues on display, again|website=hindustantimes|access-date=15 July 2018|date=5 March 2012}}</ref> and statues representing Buddhist and Hindu, Dalit/[[Other Backward Class|OBC]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Jyotiba-father-of-the-nation/articleshow/37207245.cms|title=Jyotiba, father of the nation? - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=15 July 2018}}</ref> icons like [[Gautama Buddha]], [[Gadge Maharaj]], [[Ravidas|Sant Ravidas]], [[Kabir|Sant Kabir]], [[Narayana Guru]], [[Jyotirao Phule]], [[Shahu IV|Chatrapati Shahuji Maharaj]], [[B. R. Ambedkar|Babasaheb Ambedkar]], BSP party founder [[Kanshi Ram]], and of herself.<ref name="Jha 2005" /> She claims that the expenditure was required because the past governments did not show respect towards Dalit leaders, in whose memory nothing had ever been built.<ref name="Thaindian June 2010" /> She spent somewhere between {{INR}} 25 and 60 billion rupees (about US$500 million to US$1.3 billion) on projects in five parks and at memorials such as [[Ambedkar Memorial Park|Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Sthal]] and Manyavar Kanshiram Smarak Sthal, built in the name of B.R. Ambedkar, Ramabai Ambedkar, and Kanshi Ram in Lucknow between 2007 and 2009.<ref name="India Today 2011" /><ref name="IBN Live 2009" /><ref name="Foy"/> The [[Comptroller and Auditor General of India]] reported that {{INR}} 66 crore (about US$12 million) in excessive costs had been incurred on the construction of the memorials.<ref name="CAG-slams" /> In February 2010 Mayawati's government approved a plan for a special police force to protect the statues, as she feared that her political opponents might demolish them.<ref name="BBC News 2010" /> In December 2010, her government received permission to continue part of the plan, namely maintenance and completion of [[Ambedkar Memorial Park]].<ref name="Foy" />

Despite the existing Supreme Court stay, in October 2011 Mayawati inaugurated the [[Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal and Green Garden]], built at a cost of {{INR}} 685 crore.<ref name="NDTV 2011" /> Since the memorial also features her own statues, Mayawati was accused by the [[Indian National Congress]] of wasting the taxpayers' money.<ref name="wsj_bane_boon" /> The BSP dismissed the allegations, stating that her statues were erected because Kanshi Ram's will requested that his statues should be constructed next to those of the current President of BSP. Mayawati accused the Congress of being "anti-Dalit".<ref name="wsj_bane_boon" />

In January 2012, the [[Election Commission of India|Election Commission]] ordered that all of the statues of Mayawati as well as recent statues of elephants ( the symbol of the Bahujan Samaj Party) should be covered up until after February's Uttar Pradesh election.<ref name="AutoUQ-1"/><ref name="AutoUQ-2"/> On 26 July 2012 the statue in Lucknow was damaged by members of a group calling themselves "Uttar Pradesh Naunirman Sena".<ref name="Hindustan Times 2012" /><ref name="Tripathi 2012-07-27" /><ref name="AutoUQ-3"/> A replacement statue was re-installed overnight by the Lucknow city administration.<ref name="AutoUQ-4"/> Following the Lucknow vandalism, there were similar such incidents in other parts of Uttar Pradesh.<ref name="AutoUQ-5"/>

==== World Bank criticism ====
The [[World Bank]] lent India funds for development, and Mayawati was to manage projects with this money in UP. The projects were preplanned and on schedule, but the Mayawati government made changes which put the projects behind schedule, including rapidly transferring upper caste managers in and out of rural posts.<ref name="Kirk 2011" /> The World Bank sent a letter of complaint on 1 August 2002 to India's central government stating, "We have now learnt that project managers have been replaced within three weeks of assuming office. The project coordinator of the Diversified Agriculture Support Project has been changed twice in quick succession and at the moment there is no project coordinator. In the forestry project, numerous changes have been made over past six months ... Such developments do not augur well for these time-bound projects that require consistently good leadership."<ref name="Tripathi 2002" /> Mayawati initially responded by saying the letter was a fake and later said there had been a misunderstanding. She then decreased the number of transfers, stopped creating new posts, and temporarily reduced the level of government spending on furniture and vehicles in response to the allegations. The World Bank continued to criticise the level of corruption even after these measures had been implemented.<ref name="Kirk 2011" />

== Personal life and public image ==
[[File:Image of India.jpg|thumb|Statues of Mayawati (L) and Kanshi Ram (R) at [[Ambedkar Memorial Park]].]]
Mayawati started her political career after Kanshi Ram, the founder of Bahujan Samaj Party, persuaded her to join the civil service and politics.<ref name="Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar 2008">{{cite web | last=Anklesaria Aiyar | first=Swaminathan S | title=The world will love Mayawati as PM | website=The Times of India | date=10 August 2008 | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sa-aiyar/swaminomics/The-world-will-love-Mayawati-as-PM/articleshow/3346841.cms | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808041945/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sa-aiyar/swaminomics/The-world-will-love-Mayawati-as-PM/articleshow/3346841.cms | archive-date=8 August 2016 }}</ref> Mayawati chose to remain unmarried. She is also known as the ''Iron Lady Mayawati''.<ref>{{cite web | title=Mayawati earned her spurs as a tough politician -she's often called Iron Lady | website=The Times of India | date=4 August 2017 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/will-mayawati-take-poll-plunge/articleshow/59911293.cms | access-date=19 November 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223073122/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/will-mayawati-take-poll-plunge/articleshow/59911293.cms | archive-date=23 December 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Bhardwaj | first=Ashutosh | title=Behenji gets a new party prefix: Iron Lady Maya | website=The Indian Express | date=22 August 2010 | url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/behenji-gets-a-new-party-prefix-iron-lady-maya/ | access-date=19 November 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041115/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/behenji-gets-a-new-party-prefix-iron-lady-maya/ | archive-date=1 December 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=BSP leader Kumari Mayawati - also called by her other name, Iron Lady. | website=The Times of India | date=4 February 2017 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/videos-from-us-europe-pledge-support-for-mayawati/articleshow/56961350.cms | access-date=19 November 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201053821/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/videos-from-us-europe-pledge-support-for-mayawati/articleshow/56961350.cms | archive-date=1 December 2017 }}</ref>

Kanshi Ram praised Mayawati at her 47th birthday celebrations for her fundraising activities on behalf of the party. He stated that the party's eventual goal is to gain power at the national level, and that Mayawati's efforts had helped in that quest.<ref name="Rediff 2003" /> Her birthdays have since become major media events at which she has appeared laden with diamonds.<ref name="BBC 2009" /> Her supporters have declared her birthday as ''Jan Kalyankari Diwas'' (People's Welfare Day). In 2009, the day was marked by the announcement of welfare schemes targeted towards poor and downtrodden people of the state<ref name="Thaindian 2009" /> and, in 2010, by the launch of social programmes with a value of over {{INR}} 7,312 [[crore]].<ref name="The Hindu 2010" />

In 2007–08, Mayawati paid {{INRConvert|26.26|c}} as income tax.<ref name="Tax 1977">{{cite news | author=SENSEX | title=Mayawati, Shah Rukh Khan among top taxpayers | newspaper=The Economic Times | date=15 February 1977 | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/personal-finance-news/mayawati-shah-rukh-khan-among-top-taxpayers/articleshow/3321050.cms | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202090803/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/personal-finance-news/mayawati-shah-rukh-khan-among-top-taxpayers/articleshow/3321050.cms | archive-date=2 December 2017 }}</ref> She was at number 20 in the I-T department's compilation of the top 200 taxpayers' list with names like [[Shah Rukh Khan]] and [[Sachin Tendulkar]].<ref name="SiliconIndia 2008">{{cite web | author=SiliconIndia | title=Mayawati, Tendulkar and SRK top the tax-payer's list | website=siliconindia | date=5 August 2008 | url=http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/Mayawati_Tendulkar_and_SRK_top_the_taxpayers_list-nid-45248-cid-Others.html | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917054445/http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/Mayawati_Tendulkar_and_SRK_top_the_taxpayers_list-nid-45248-cid-Others.html | archive-date=17 September 2016 }}</ref> Mayawati paid {{INRConvert|15|c}} in advance tax in April–December 2007. She paid {{INRConvert|12.5|c}} on other incomes, most of which was declared by her as "gifts" by party members.<ref name="Rediff 2016">{{cite web | title=Mayawati pays Rs 15 crore advance tax | website=Rediff | date=15 May 2016 | url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2008/jan/16maya.htm | access-date=16 May 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213053353/http://www.rediff.com/money/2008/jan/16maya.htm | archive-date=13 February 2011 }}</ref>

When BSP workers garlanded Mayawati with currency notes on the occasion of the party's silver jubilee celebrations coinciding with BSP founder Kanshi Ram's birth anniversary on 15 March 2010, Indian news channels and newspapers purported to expose the event as a ‘scandal’ on the presumption that the Chief Minister had publicly committed an act of corruption that was being flaunted openly and declaring that the garland of currency notes was made from money through corrupt means and not from donations of Bahujan Samaj Party supporters as Mayawati, her Ministers and supporters claimed.
At Kanshi Ram's funeral ceremonies in 2006, Mayawati stated that both Kanshi Ram and herself had been, and she would continue to be, observant of [[Buddhist]] traditions and customs. She has stated her intention to [[Dalit Buddhist movement|formally convert to Buddhism]] when the political conditions enable her to become [[Prime Minister of India]]. Her act of performing the [[Antyesti|last rites]] (traditionally done by a male heir) was an expression of their views against [[Sexism in India|gender discrimination]].<ref name="legacy" /><ref name="The Hindu 2006" /> When she was Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, she publicly called [[Bhikkhu]]s to prayer.<ref name = "Das 2011" />

== Literature about Mayawati ==
Literature about Mayawati includes studies and books. One of the first works about her was journalist Mohammad Jamil Akhter's book, ''Iron Lady Kumari Mayawati''.<ref name="BSP India" /> Her autobiographies are ''Mere Sangarshmai Jeevan Evam Bahujan Movement Ka Safarnama'' in three volumes in Hindi and ''A Travelogue of My Struggle-ridden Life and of Bahujan Samaj'', in two volumes in English.<ref name="UP Leg Assembly" /> ''Behenji : A Political Biography of Mayawati'' is a biography by veteran journalist Ajoy Bose.<ref name="Bose 2008" />

== Awards and recognition ==
In 2003, Mayawati as the Chief Minister, was awarded ''[[Paul Harris (Rotary)#Paul Harris Fellow|Paul Harris Fellow Award]]'' by [[UNICEF]], [[World Health Organization]] and [[Rotary International]], for her initiative in [[Polio eradication]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/signposts/story/20030203-reliance-industries-vice-chairman-anil-ambani-appointed-chairman-of-bses-ltd-793607-2003-02-03|title=Signposts|last=Today|first=India|website=India Today Magazine|language=en|access-date=4 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/mayawati-1398084259-1|title=Mayawati|date=21 April 2014|website=Jagranjosh.com|access-date=4 November 2019}}</ref> Mayawati was also honoured with ''Rajarshi Shahu Award'' by Rajarshi Shahu Memorial Trust.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/pawar-to-receive-rajarshi-shahu-award-116062000845_1.html|title=Pawar to receive 'Rajarshi Shahu Award'|agency=Press Trust of India|date=20 June 2016|work=Business Standard India|access-date=4 November 2019}}</ref> In 2008, ''[[Forbes]]'' added Mayawati in the 59th place on its list of the 100 most powerful women in the world.<ref name="Forbes.com 2005">{{cite web | title=The 100 Most Powerful Women: #59 Mayawati Kumari | website=Forbes.com | date=31 May 2005 | url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/11/biz_powerwomen08_Mayawati-Kumari_RAYH.html | access-date=31 October 2015 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912011351/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/11/biz_powerwomen08_Mayawati-Kumari_RAYH.html | archive-date=12 September 2015 }}</ref><ref name="India Today 2008">{{cite web | title=Mayawati enters Forbes' power women list; Sonia slips in rank : Latest Headlines, News | website=India Today | date=28 August 2008 | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Mayawati+enters+Forbes'+power+women+list;+Sonia+slips+in+rank/1/14014.html | access-date=31 October 2015}}</ref> She appeared in ''[[Newsweek]]''{{'}}s top woman achievers list in 2007.<ref name="Newsweek list">{{cite web | title=Mayawati in ''Newsweek''{{'}}s top woman achievers' list | publisher=IBN Live | date=16 October 2007 | url=http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/politics/mayawati-icon-274677.html | access-date=4 November 2015}}</ref> In 2009 a ''Newsweek'' article described her as the [[Barack Obama]] of India, and a potential candidate for [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]].<ref name="Newsweek">{{cite journal | last=Kahn | first=Jeremy | title=Mayawati: The Rise of India's Caste Warrior | date=17 April 2009 | journal=Newsweek | url=http://www.newsweek.com/mayawati-rise-indias-caste-warrior-77597 | access-date=4 November 2015 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204015054/http://www.newsweek.com/mayawati-rise-indias-caste-warrior-77597 | archive-date=4 February 2017 }}</ref> [[Time (magazine)|''Time'' magazine]] included Mayawati in India's 15 Most Influential list for 2007.<ref name="Tharoor 2007">{{cite magazine | last=Tharoor | first=Ishaan | title=India's Most Influential | magazine=Time | date=15 August 2007 | url=http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1652689_1652372_1652356,00.html | access-date=4 November 2015 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107040854/http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1652689_1652372_1652356,00.html | archive-date=7 November 2015 }}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Biography|Politics|India
}}

* [[Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh]]
* [[Kanshi Ram]]
* [[Bahujan Samaj Party]]
* [[Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti]]
* [[BAMCEF]]
* [[Bahujan Volunteer Force]]
* [[Jai Bhim]]

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}}
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| publisher = CMYK Printech
| url = http://www.dailypioneer.com/248224/To-fight-Maoists-reform-police.html
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110616062415/http://www.dailypioneer.com/248224/To-fight-Maoists-reform-police.html
| archive-date = 16 June 2011
| access-date = 17 June 2012
}}
</ref>
<ref name="List of Winners">
{{cite web
|title = List of Winning Candidates
|publisher = Election Commission of India
|location = New Delhi
|url = http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/press/List%20of%20Winning%20Candidated%20Final%20for%2016th%20May.pdf
|access-date = 26 July 2012
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120429150805/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/press/List%20of%20Winning%20Candidated%20Final%20for%2016th%20May.pdf
|archive-date = 29 April 2012
}}
</ref>
<ref name="NDTV 2012">
{{cite news
|title = Election result: Mulayam, Akhilesh wrest UP from Mayawati, Badals beat incumbency in Punjab
|date = 6 March 2012
|publisher = [[NDTV]]
|url = http://www.ndtv.com/article/assembly-polls/election-result-mulayam-akhilesh-wrest-up-from-mayawati-badals-beat-incumbency-in-punjab-183132?curl=1387914366
|access-date = 24 December 2013
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131225153630/http://www.ndtv.com/article/assembly-polls/election-result-mulayam-akhilesh-wrest-up-from-mayawati-badals-beat-incumbency-in-punjab-183132?curl=1387914366
|archive-date = 25 December 2013
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Economic Times 2012">
{{cite news
| title = Mayawati's wealth doubles to Rs 111 crore in five years
| work = [[The Economic Times]]
| publisher = The Times Group
| date = 13 March 2012
| url = http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-03-14/news/31168811_1_mayawati-nomination-papers-vc-solutions
| access-date = 26 July 2012
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Tripathi 2012-03-22">
{{cite web
| last = Tripathi
| first = Ashish
| date = 22 March 2012
| title = Mayawati, Jaya Bachchan elected to Rajya Sabha
| url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-22/india/31224395_1_munawwar-saleem-assembly-elections-jaya-bachchan
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130104003151/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-22/india/31224395_1_munawwar-saleem-assembly-elections-jaya-bachchan
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 4 January 2013
| work = [[The Times of India]]
| access-date = 31 August 2012
}}
</ref>
<ref name="ZeeNews 2011">
{{cite web
|title = Mayawati wants UP divided into four new states
|date = 15 November 2011
|work = zeenews.india.com
|publisher = Zee News Ltd
|url = http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttar-pradesh/mayawati-wants-up-divided-into-four-new-states_741932.html?pagenumber=4
|access-date = 2 July 2013
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141216120935/http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttar-pradesh/mayawati-wants-up-divided-into-four-new-states_741932.html?pagenumber=4
|archive-date = 16 December 2014
}}
</ref>
<ref name="The Hindu 4 March 2011">
{{cite news
| title = Mayawati unveils dream project in honour of mentor
| date = 4 March 2011
| newspaper = [[The Hindu]]
| url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/mayawati-unveils-dream-project-in-honour-of-mentor/article1508513.ece
| access-date=2 August 2013
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Yaho News 14 Oct 2011">
{{cite web
| title = Mayawati inaugurates 'dream project', says Congress ignored Dalit icons
| date = 14 October 2011
| work = [[Yahoo!]]
| publisher = Yahoo! News UK
| url = http://uk.news.yahoo.com/mayawati-inaugurates-dream-project-says-congress-ignored-dalit-165021219.html#VaZcNBC
| access-date = 2 August 2013
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Srivastava 2012">
{{cite web
| last = Srivastava
| first = Rajiv
| url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-09/lucknow/35015267_1_sky-blue-women-cops-dream-project
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130802075045/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-09/lucknow/35015267_1_sky-blue-women-cops-dream-project
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 2 August 2013
| title = Mayawati's dream project ready for 1090 helpline cell
| date = 9 November 2012
| work = [[The Times of India]]
| access-date = 2 August 2013
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Rediff 2003">
{{cite web
|title = Fund collection: Kanshi Ram defends Mayawati
|work = Rediff.com
|date = 16 January 2003
|url = http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jan/16up1.htm
|access-date = 17 June 2012
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121024054459/http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jan/16up1.htm
|archive-date = 24 October 2012
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Reddit 2011">
{{cite web
|title = Mayawati richest CM in India
|work = [[Rediff.com]]
|date = 20 January 2011
|url = http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-mayawati-richest-cm-in-india-buddhadeb-poorest/20110120.htm
|access-date = 10 September 2011
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110906011744/http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-mayawati-richest-cm-in-india-buddhadeb-poorest/20110120.htm
|archive-date = 6 September 2011
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Times 2010">
{{cite news
| title = Mayawati's assets rise from Rs 52 crore to Rs 87 crore in 3 yrs
| work = [[The Times of India]]
| publisher = [[The Times Group]]
| date=27 May 2010
| url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-27/india/28278578_1_assets-rise-cts-dalits
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110811090548/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-27/india/28278578_1_assets-rise-cts-dalits
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 11 August 2011
| access-date = 26 July 2012
}}
</ref>
<ref name="CNN 2012">
{{cite news
| title = Mayawati's wealth jumps to Rs 111 crore from 88 crore in 2 years
| work = The Indian Express
| date = 13 March 2012
| url = http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/mayawatis-wealth-jumps-25-pct-to-rs-111-crore-in-2-years/923264/
| access-date = 2 September 2014
}}
</ref>
<ref name="CNN 2010">
{{cite news
|last = Bhonsle
|first = Anubha
|date = 18 March 2010
|title = BSP's I-T return rises 30 times in 3 years
|publisher = CNN-IBN
|url = http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bsps-it-return-rises-30-times-in-3-years/111667-37.html
|access-date = 7 September 2011
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121017164550/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bsps-it-return-rises-30-times-in-3-years/111667-37.html
|archive-date = 17 October 2012
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Daily News 2010">
{{cite web
|last = Gidwani
|first = Deepak
|title = Mayawati has a treasure trove of gold, jewels, but no car
|work = [[Daily News and Analysis]]
|publisher = Diligent Media
|date = 27 May 2010
|url = http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-mayawati-has-a-treasure-trove-of-gold-jewels-but-no-car-1388189
|access-date = 24 December 2013
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131225210335/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-mayawati-has-a-treasure-trove-of-gold-jewels-but-no-car-1388189
|archive-date = 25 December 2013
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Kushal Pal 2003">
{{cite web
|last = Singh Yadav
|first = Kushal Pal
|date = 31 July 2003
|title = Taj corridor project compromises heritage
|work = Down To Earth
|publisher = Society for Environmental Communications
|url = http://www.downtoearth.org.in/node/13241
|access-date = 31 August 2012
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111113142242/http://www.downtoearth.org.in/node/13241
|archive-date = 13 November 2011
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Rediff 2003 raid">
{{cite news
|title = Taj controversy: CBI raids Mayawati's residence
|newspaper = Redff.com
|date = 8 October 2003
|url = http://ia.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/08taj.htm
|access-date = 2 February 2011
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110614205525/http://ia.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/08taj.htm
|archive-date = 14 June 2011
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Rediff 2003 Taj">
{{cite news
|title = Evidence found against Maya: CBI
|work = rediff.com
|date = 8 October 2003
|url = http://ia.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/08taj1.htm
|access-date = 2 February 2011
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110614205608/http://ia.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/08taj1.htm
|archive-date = 14 June 2011
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Times Online 2004">
{{cite news
| last = Dhillon
| first = Amrit
| date = 31 October 2004
| title = Friend of the poor has rupee fortune
| work = [[The Times]]
| publisher = [[News Corporation (1980–2013)|News Corporation]]
| location = London
| url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article501126.ece
| access-date = 2 February 2011
}} {{subscription required}}
</ref>
<ref name="The Hindu 2007">
{{cite news
|last = Kumar
|first = Vinay
|date = 7 June 2007
|title = No element of corruption on Mayawati's part, says Uttar Pradesh Governor
|location = Chennai, India
|url = http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/07/stories/2007060700541300.htm
|access-date = 1 August 2012
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130910130657/http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/07/stories/2007060700541300.htm
|work = [[The Hindu]]
|archive-date = 10 September 2013
}}
</ref>
<ref name="NDTV 2007">
{{cite web
|title = Taj case: Mayawati gets reprieve
|work = NDTV
|date = 10 October 2007
|url = http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/taj-case-mayawati-gets-reprieve/17992
|access-date = 17 June 2012
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222055602/http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/taj-case-mayawati-gets-reprieve/17992
|archive-date = 22 February 2014
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Hindustan Times 2007">
{{cite web
| title = Maya gets reprieve in Taj corridor case
| newspaper = [[Hindustan Times]]
| publisher = [[HT Media]]
| date = 10 October 2007
| url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/maya-gets-reprieve-in-taj-corridor-case/story-4fhd7Mui9LzSPxyojCaMnO.html
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150925163331/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/maya-gets-reprieve-in-taj-corridor-case/story-4fhd7Mui9LzSPxyojCaMnO.html
| archive-date = 25 September 2015
| url-status=live
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Thaindian 2009">
{{cite web
|title = Mayawati to celebrate birthday as 'People's Welfare Day'
|work = Thaindian
|date = 29 December 2009
|url = http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/mayawati-to-celebrate-birthday-as-peoples-welfare-day_100296330.html
|access-date = 29 April 2010
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120320232323/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/mayawati-to-celebrate-birthday-as-peoples-welfare-day_100296330.html
|archive-date = 20 March 2012
}}
</ref>
<ref name="The Hindu 2010">
{{cite news
|title = The Hindu: States / Other States : Mayawati launches welfare schemes on birthday
|work = The Hindu
|location = Chennai, India
|date = 15 January 2010
|url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/article80662.ece
|access-date = 24 December 2013
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131226023041/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/article80662.ece
|archive-date = 26 December 2013
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Hindustan Times 2010">
{{cite web
| last = Hasan
| first = Masoodul
| title = CBI probe in DA case illegal: Mayawati
| work = Hindustan Times
| date = 21 April 2010
| url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/CBI-probe-in-DA-case-illegal-Mayawati/Article1-534015.aspx
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121022195609/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/CBI-probe-in-DA-case-illegal-Mayawati/Article1-534015.aspx
| archive-date = 22 October 2012
| url-status = dead
| access-date = 24 December 2013
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Thakur 2008">
{{cite news
| last = Thakur
| first = Pradeep
| date = 3 August 2008
| title = Mayawati, Shah Rukh among top taxpayers
| url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-08-03/india/27949460_1_top-taxpayers-income-tax-top-200
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110811090615/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-08-03/india/27949460_1_top-taxpayers-income-tax-top-200
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 11 August 2011
| work = [[The Times of India]]
| access-date = 26 July 2012
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Times of India 2010">
{{cite news
| date = 17 March 2010
| title = Defiant Mayawati felicitated with another cash garland
| url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-03-17/india/28128786_1_cash-garland-currency-notes-bsp
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110811090637/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-03-17/india/28128786_1_cash-garland-currency-notes-bsp
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 11 August 2011
| work = [[The Times of India]]
| access-date = 2 May 2010
}}
</ref>
<ref name="The Hindu August 2011">
{{cite news
|work = The Hindu
|date = 3 August 2011
|title = Centre's appeal against Mayawati dismissed
|location = Chennai, India
|url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/article2319223.ece
|access-date = 24 December 2013
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131226025131/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/article2319223.ece
|archive-date = 26 December 2013
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Indian Express June 2011">
{{cite web
| last = Chibber
| first = Maneesh
| date = 15 September 2011
| title = Centre won't appeal against HC order on Maya
| work = The Indian Express
| url = http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/centre-won-t-appeal-against-hc-order-on-maya/846776/
| access-date = 2 September 2014
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Indian Express July 2012">
{{cite news
| work = The Indian Express
| date = 6 July 2012
| title= SC quashes CBI probe against BSP chief Mayawati in DA case
| url = http://archive.indianexpress.com//news/sc-quashes-cbi-probe-against-bsp-chief-mayawati-in-da-case/971112/
| access-date = 2 September 2014
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Indian Express August 2012">
{{cite news
|work = The Indian Express
|date = 1 August 2012
|title = Assets case: Relief for Mayawati as CBI admits defeat
|url = http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/assets-case-relief-for-mayawati-as-cbi-admits-defeat/982434/
|access-date = 2 September 2014
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160202202240/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/assets-case-relief-for-mayawati-as-cbi-admits-defeat/982434/
|archive-date = 2 February 2016
}}
</ref>
<ref name="DNA 4 October 2012">
{{cite news
|title = SC agrees to hear review of quashing of Mayawati DA case
|newspaper = DNA
|publisher = Diligent Media
|date = 4 October 2012
|url = http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-sc-agrees-to-hear-review-of-quashing-of-mayawati-da-case-1748926
|access-date = 24 December 2013
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131225210429/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-sc-agrees-to-hear-review-of-quashing-of-mayawati-da-case-1748926
|archive-date = 25 December 2013
}}
</ref>
<ref name="IBN Live 8 Aug 2013">
{{cite news
|title = SC dismisses review plea to reopen CBI probe in Mayawati DA case
|date = 8 August 2013
|work = IBN Live
|publisher = Time Warner
|url = http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sc-dismisses-review-plea-to-reopen-cbi-probe-in-mayawati-da-case/412719-3-242.html
|access-date = 19 August 2013
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130813044615/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sc-dismisses-review-plea-to-reopen-cbi-probe-in-mayawati-da-case/412719-3-242.html
|archive-date = 13 August 2013
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Indian Express 2013">
{{cite news
| agency = [[Press Trust of India]]
| newspaper = The Indian Express
| title = CBI decides to wind up probe in DA case against Mayawati
| date = 8 October 2013
| url = http://archive.indianexpress.com//news/cbi-decides-to-wind-up-probe-in-da-case-against-mayawati/1179894/
| access-date = 2 September 2014
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Jha 2005">
{{cite news
| last = Jha
| first = Rajiv Ranjan
| date = 25 May 2005
| title = Mayawati adds another 100 feet to her stature
| url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-05-25/lucknow/27848342_1_mayawati-murals-statues
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110811090553/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-05-25/lucknow/27848342_1_mayawati-murals-statues
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 11 August 2011
| work = [[The Times of India]]
| access-date = 26 July 2012
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Thaindian June 2010">
{{cite web
|title = Memorials will not cost any more money, says Mayawati
|work = Thaindian
|date = 29 January 2010
|url = http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/memorials-will-not-cost-any-more-money-says-mayawati_100311830.html
|access-date = 17 June 2012
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120320230725/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/memorials-will-not-cost-any-more-money-says-mayawati_100311830.html
|archive-date = 20 March 2012
}}
</ref>
<ref name="India Today 2011">
{{cite web
|title = Mayawati government spends on parks, ignores healthcare, education and infrastructure
|work = [[India Today]]
|publisher = [[Living Media]]
|date = 11 August 2011
|url = http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mayawati-government-uttar-pradesh-luxury-statue-citizens-neglected/1/147733.html
|access-date = 24 December 2013
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130914010337/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mayawati-government-uttar-pradesh-luxury-statue-citizens-neglected/1/147733.html
|archive-date = 14 September 2013
}}
</ref>
<ref name="IBN Live 2009">
{{cite web
|last = Chaubey
|first = Bhupendra
|title = SC warns Mayawati for overspending on statues
|publisher = CNN-IBN
|date = 30 June 2009
|url = http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mayawati-gets-statuetory-warning-from-sc/95951-37.html
|access-date = 2 May 2010
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090903132343/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mayawati-gets-statuetory-warning-from-sc/95951-37.html
|archive-date = 3 September 2009
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Foy">
{{cite news
|last=Foy
|first=Henry
|date=4 December 2010
|title=Statutes and statues: Mayawati gets Supreme Court nod for sprawling memorial park
|work=Reuters
|url=http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2010/12/04/statutes-and-statues-mayawati-gets-supreme-court-nod-for-sprawling-memorial-park/
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920190437/http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2010/12/04/statutes-and-statues-mayawati-gets-supreme-court-nod-for-sprawling-memorial-park/
|archive-date=20 September 2015
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>
<ref name="CAG-slams">
{{cite web
| title = CAG slams Mayawati's Rs 66 cr 'excess' on memorials
| publisher = The Indian Express
| date = 6 August 2011
| url = http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/cag-slams-mayawatis-rs-66-cr-excess-on-memorials/828094/
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924154353/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/cag-slams-mayawatis-rs-66-cr-excess-on-memorials/828094/
| archive-date = 24 September 2015
| url-status=live
}}
</ref>
<ref name="BBC News 2010">
{{cite news
|title = India minister Mayawati police squad for statues
|work = news.bbc.co.uk
|publisher = BBC
|date = 5 February 2010
|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8499673.stm
|access-date = 1 August 2012
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120327112329/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8499673.stm
|archive-date = 27 March 2012
}}
</ref>
<ref name="NDTV 2011">
{{cite news
|title = Mayawati to inaugurate 685-crore Noida memorial park today
|publisher = NDTV
|date = 14 October 2011
|url = http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/mayawati-to-inaugurate-685-crore-noida-memorial-park-today-141006
|access-date = 25 October 2011
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111016182436/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/mayawati-to-inaugurate-685-crore-noida-memorial-park-today-141006
|archive-date = 16 October 2011
}}
</ref>
<ref name="wsj_bane_boon">
{{cite news
|last = Rana
|first = Preetika
|title = Dalit Park: Boon or Bane for Mayawati?
|work = blogs.wsj.com
|publisher = The Wall Street Journal
|date = 18 October 2011
|url = https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/10/18/dalit-park-boon-or-bane-for-mayawati/
|access-date = 25 October 2011
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111020102611/http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/10/18/dalit-park-boon-or-bane-for-mayawati/
|archive-date = 20 October 2011
}}
</ref>
<ref name = "AutoUQ-1">
{{cite news
| last = Randolph
| first = Eric
| date = 9 January 2012
| title = Statues of Uttar Pradesh minister and elephants ordered to be covered
| newspaper = [[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]
| location = Abu Dhabi
| url = http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/south-asia/statues-of-uttar-pradesh-minister-and-elephants-ordered-to-be-covered
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120110085828/http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/south-asia/statues-of-uttar-pradesh-minister-and-elephants-ordered-to-be-covered
| archive-date = 10 January 2012
| url-status = live
}}</ref>
<ref name="AutoUQ-2">
{{cite web
|title=Press Note: Covering of Statues in Uttar Pradesh – Comments reported in Media regarding
|date=18 January 2012
|publisher=Election Commission of India
|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main1/current/pn18012012.pdf
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405044629/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main1/current/pn18012012.pdf
|archive-date=5 April 2014
|url-status=live
}}</ref>
<ref name="Hindustan Times 2012">
{{Cite news
|title=Mayawati's statue damaged, CM condemns attack
|newspaper=Hindustan Times
|date=26 July 2012
|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/mayawati-s-statue-damaged-in-lucknow-3-held/story-KeGCTsYm1jMRHbLvV25EVK.html
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925144002/http://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/mayawati-s-statue-damaged-in-lucknow-3-held/story-KeGCTsYm1jMRHbLvV25EVK.html
|archive-date=25 September 2015
|url-status=live
}}</ref>
<ref name="Tripathi 2012-07-27">
{{cite news
|last=Tripathi
|first=Ashish
|date=27 July 2012
|title=Political compulsion makes SP govt reinstall Mayawati's statue
|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-27/lucknow/32888171_1_new-statue-dalit-icons-bsp-founder-kanshiram
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302115335/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Political-compulsion-makes-SP-govt-reinstall-Mayawatis-statue/articleshow/15192030.cms?referral=PM
|archive-date=2 March 2015
|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]
|url-status=live
}}</ref>
<ref name="AutoUQ-3">
{{cite news
|date=28 July 2012
|title=Maya statue vandalisation case: Prime accused Amit Jani arrested
|newspaper=Jagran Post (Jagran Prakashan Ltd)
|location=Kanpur
|url=http://post.jagran.com/Maya-statue-vandalisation-case-Prime-accused-Amit-Jani-arrested-1343462432
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926053009/http://post.jagran.com/Maya-statue-vandalisation-case-Prime-accused-Amit-Jani-arrested-1343462432
|archive-date=26 September 2015
|url-status=live
}}</ref>
<ref name="AutoUQ-4">
{{cite news
|date=27 July 2015
|title=UP city administration replaces Mayawati statues overnight in Lucknow
|newspaper=Jagran Post (Jagran Prakashan Ltd)
|location=Kanpur
|url=http://post.jagran.com/UP-city-administration-replaces-Mayawati-statues-overnight-in-Lucknow-1343382213
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926042953/http://post.jagran.com/UP-city-administration-replaces-Mayawati-statues-overnight-in-Lucknow-1343382213
|archive-date=26 September 2015
|url-status=live
}}</ref>
<ref name="AutoUQ-5">
{{cite news
|date=6 August 2012
|title=Unrest in Uttar Pradesh over vandalisation of Mayawati, Ambedkar statues
|newspaper=Jagran Post (Jagran Prakashan Ltd)
|location=Kanpur
|url=http://post.jagran.com/Unrest-in-Uttar-Pradesh-over-vandalisation-of-Mayawati-Ambedkar-statues-1344241759
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926060016/http://post.jagran.com/Unrest-in-Uttar-Pradesh-over-vandalisation-of-Mayawati-Ambedkar-statues-1344241759
|archive-date=26 September 2015
|url-status=live
}}</ref>
<ref name="Kirk 2011">
{{cite book
| last = Kirk
| first = Jason
| year = 2011
| title = India and the World Bank: The Politics of Aid and Influence
| series = Anthem South Asian Studies
| publisher = Anthem Press
| location = London; New York
| isbn = 978-0-85728-412-9
| page = 89
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Tripathi 2002">
{{cite journal
| last = Tripathi
| first = Purima S.
| date = 27 September 2002
| title = Mayawati in double trouble
| journal = [[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]
| volume = 19
| issue = 19
| url = http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1919/19190340.htm
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20021111104334/http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1919/19190340.htm
| archive-date = 11 November 2002
| access-date = 24 December 2013
}}
</ref>

<ref name="BSP India">
{{cite web
|title = Our President: Bahan Kumari Mayawati
|work = Bspindia.org
|publisher = [[Bahujan Samaj Party]]
|url = http://www.bspindia.org/kumari-mayawati.php
|access-date = 24 December 2013
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130814115547/http://www.bspindia.org/kumari-mayawati.php
|archive-date = 14 August 2013
}}
</ref>
<ref name="UP Leg Assembly">
{{cite web
| title = Kumari Mayawati
| publisher = UP Legislative Assembly
| url = http://uplegassembly.nic.in/MAYAWATI%20BOI%20DATA.htm
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131213162735/http://uplegassembly.nic.in/MAYAWATI%20BOI%20DATA.htm
| archive-date = 13 December 2013
| access-date = 24 September 2015
}}
</ref>
<ref name="IBN Live">
{{cite web
|last = Patni
|first = Abhishek
|title = Wah Taj! Maya gets away scot-free
|work = Ibnlive.in.com
|url = http://ibnlive.in.com/news/monumental-relief-for-maya--wah-taj/42282-4.html
|access-date = 17 June 2012
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222173019/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/monumental-relief-for-maya--wah-taj/42282-4.html
|archive-date = 22 February 2014
}}
</ref>
}}

== External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
{{commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181535/http://164.100.24.167:8080/members/website/Biodata.asp?no=1511 Official biodata]
* [http://www.bspindia.org/ Bahujan Samaj Party]
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| before = Rampiyare Suman
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = Member of Parliament for [[Ambedkar Nagar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Ambedkar Nagar]]
| years = 1989 – 1991
}}
{{s-aft
| after = Ram Awadh
}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-bef
| before = Ghanshyam Chandra Kharvar
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = Member of Parliament for [[Ambedkar Nagar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Ambedkar Nagar]]
| years = 1998 – 2002
}}
{{s-aft
| after = Ram Awadh
}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-bef
| before = [[Tribhuvan Dutt]]
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = Member of Parliament for [[Ambedkar Nagar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Ambedkar Nagar]]
| years = 2004 – 2007
}}
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| after = Shankhlal Majhi
}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-par|in-upr}}
{{s-bef
| before = N/A
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = Member of Parliament for [[Rajya Sabha]] ([[List of Rajya Sabha members from Uttar Pradesh|Uttar Pradesh]])
| years = 3 April 1994 – 25 October 1996
}}
{{s-aft
| after = [[Dara Singh Chauhan]]
}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-bef
| before = N/A
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = Member of Parliament for [[Rajya Sabha]] ([[List of Rajya Sabha members from Uttar Pradesh|Uttar Pradesh]])
| years = 5 July 2004 – 5 July 2007
}}
{{s-aft
| after = N/A
}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-bef
| before = Jai Prakash
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{{s-ttl
| title = Member of Parliament for [[Rajya Sabha]] ([[List of Rajya Sabha members from Uttar Pradesh|Uttar Pradesh]])
| years = 3 April 2012 – 20 July 2017
}}
{{s-aft
| after = [[Kanta Kardam]]
}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-off
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| before = [[Mulayam Singh Yadav]]
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{{s-ttl
| title = [[Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh]]
| years = 13 June 1995 – 18 October 1995
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| after = [[President's Rule]]
}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-bef
| before = [[President's Rule]]
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = [[Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh]]
| years = 21 March 1997 – 21 September 1997
}}
{{s-aft
| after = [[Kalyan Singh]]
}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-bef
| before = [[President's Rule]]
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = [[Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh]]
| years = 3 May 2002 – 29 August 2003
}}
{{s-aft
| after = [[Mulayam Singh Yadav]]
}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-bef
| before = [[Mulayam Singh Yadav]]
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = [[Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh]]
| years = 13 May 2007 – 7 March 2012
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{{s-aft
| after = [[Akhilesh Yadav]]
}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef
| before = [[Kanshi Ram]]
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = National President [[Bahujan Samaj Party]]
| years = 18 September 2003 – present
}}
{{s-inc
}}
{{s-end}}{{Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Good article}}

[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Dalit women]]
[[Category:14th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:People from Bijnor district]]
[[Category:Bahujan Samaj Party politicians]]
[[Category:Leaders of political parties in India]]
[[Category:Chaudhary Charan Singh University alumni]]
[[Category:Uttar Pradesh MLAs 1997–2002]]
[[Category:9th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:12th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:13th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:Uttar Pradesh MLAs 2002–2007]]
[[Category:Rajya Sabha members from Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Lok Sabha members from Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Women members of the Rajya Sabha]]
[[Category:Women chief ministers of Indian states]]
[[Category:Women members of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:Dalit politicians]]
[[Category:Women members of the Lok Sabha]]
[[Category:People from Akbarpur, Ambedkar Nagar]]
[[Category:Faculty of Law, University of Delhi alumni]]
[[Category:Ambedkarites]]

Bharatpedia - User contributions [en]

Mayawati