Step down if you can't digest criticism: BSP to Akhilesh

Hitting out at Akhilesh Yadav for his remarks in response to Mayawati's criticism of the state's law and order, the BSP today said if the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister cannot digest criticism, he should either step down or work for improving the situation.
Party General Secretary Satish Chandra Mishra termed Akilesh's statement made yesterday as "irresponsible" and "shameful".
"We cannot say anything, neither can we stop (anyone from levelling allegations). You (media) tell them not to come here," Akhilesh had yesterday said after Mayawati's barbs on his government over its handling of law and order.
Mishra said the Chief Minister's statement, asking his opponents to leave the state for criticising the state government, is "shameful".

"If he (Akhilesh) cannot tolerate the truth then he should resign in public interest," Mishra said.
Alleging "mafia raj" in Uttar Pradesh, Mishra said officers working honestly are being punished in the form of transfers and suspensions, and the suspension of Gautam Buddh Nagar SDM Durga Shakti Nagpal, who had launched a campaign against mining mafia, is an example of it.

He said the BSP supremo Mayawati will continue to target the state government till the time the law and order situation improves in Uttar Pradeh.
Quoting Mayawati, Mishra said the criticism of memorials constructed in the name of Dalit and other icons from the backward category is misleading.

He said that the memorials are a "centre of faith" for downtrodden people and if Lohia Park can be developed by the SP regime, what is wrong in constructing memorials and parks in the name of dalit icons.
Mishra also rejected the allegation of SP government that nothing was done for the development of the state by the previous BSP regime, and listed out various initiatives launched during Mayawati's tenure.
He said the SP government has set a wrong precedence by changing names of institutes named after dalit icons, and it will have to face its consequences in future.