Uncover Mayawati, elephants' statues: EC to UP govt

The Election Commission on Friday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to uncover statues of Chief Minister Mayawati and the elephant, the BSP's poll symbol, in the state.

"The EC Secretary has written a letter to the UP Chief Secretary stating that the statues draped following its January eight order should be uncovered forthwith," UP Chief Electoral Officer Umesh Sinha said.

The EC had said the statues should be uncovered as the poll process was over in the state.

Immediately after receiving the EC's order, UP Chief Secretary Anup Mishra had sent directives to district authorities in this regard.

The EC's order was effective with immediate effect, Mishra said.

On January seven, the EC had said that statues of Mayawati and the elephant installed at various places in the state should be veiled during the seven-phased assembly election.