Varanasi: Terming as "shocking" the alleged illegal money collections by BSP workers and leaders, the local Congress unit here today staged a dharna demanding immediate dismissal of the Mayawati government.

"It is shocking that money was raised illegally from the people for birthday celebrations of Mayawati," local MP and Congress leader Rajesh Mishra said, addressing a rally.

He expressed serious concern over the killing of PWD engineer Manoj Gupta allegedly by a BSP MLA for reportedly refusing to donate money.

"The Centre had alloted several crores for development of Varanasi district, but the funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Renewal Mission could not be released due to apathy of the state government," Mishra claimed.

The dharna, held in response to a call by Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC), was presided over by Congress district president Harishchandra Singh.

Source : PTI