Kanpur, Sept. 2 -- The plan to construct a Shivalaya Park with replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas inside the premises of the Gautam Buddha Park in Kanpur has sparked a political controversy.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati and Azad Samaj party chief and Nagina MP Chandra Shekhar have demanded an immediate halt to the move, saying it is against secular principles and the legacy of Gautam Buddha and Dr BR Ambedkar.

The Kanpur Municipal Corporation has earmarked Rs.15 crore for the project, which is modelled on a similar park in Prayagraj.

The plan includes installing replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas and developing a "Happiness Park" as an adjoining attraction. Municipal commissioner Sudhir Kumar inspected the proposed site last ...