Mayawati sets trend, JD(U) MP gets cash garland

Patna, Mar 17: Accepting garland made out of cash despite criticism, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati has emerged as a trend-setter in Indian politics as JD(U) workers decided to honour Bihar's Rajya Sabha member Ejaz Ali in a similar fashion.

A garland of currency notes estimated to be worth Rs 1 lakh greeted Ali at the Patna airport on his arrival from New Delhi.

"A big and heavy marigold garland fully covered with currency notes was made by his supporters," said one of Ali's supporters, Mohammed Farman, adding that the currency notes in the garland were worth Rs 1 lakh.

"It was nothing but a gesture of love by my supporters towards me," Ali said.

Ejaz Ali recently made headlines as he was suspended from Rajya Sabha for unruly behaviour while protesting the Women's Reservation Bill.

Earlier, he was expelled from Janata Dal-United (JD-U) for indulging in anti-party activities.

The news of the currency garland comes amid the uproar in the country over Dalit leader Mayawati accepting cash garlands twice. On Monday, Mar 15 UP CM was garlanded with cash worth almost Rs 5 crores. Ignoring criticism against this, the BSP supremo went ahead and accepted another garland on Wednesday, Mar 18, said to be worth Rs 18 lakh.

OneIndia News