This UP 'Badshah' lives life king size

According to fresh complaints received by the state Lokayukta, Singh has 2.5 quintals of gold and a ‘throne made of pure silver weighing over a quintal’ besides other immovable and movable properties worth several crores. Badshah, true to his name, used to sit on the silver throne and hold his darbar (court), where he used to meet common people and listen to their grievances from his assembly constituency in Mahoba district, about 200 kilometres from here.

The glittering throne was made of pure silver and weigh over 100 kilograms, the complainant, who has requested anonymity as he feared for his life if his name was disclosed, said. The former labour minister also owns four huge farm houses at Chatarpur district in the neighboring Madhya Pradesh. He also has a hotel at ‘Khajuraho’ the world famous tourist attraction in Chatarpur.

Singh has huge properties at Mumbai, Uttarakhand, Delhi and other cities as well, it has been alleged. “His vehicle alone costs Rs one crore,’’ the complainant alleged further, according to sources here. The complainant has requested the Lokayukta to keep his name secret lest the goons of the former minister, who has a criminal background, get him eliminated.

Singh was recently sacked from the ministry by Chief Minister Mayawati along with minister for secondary education Ranganath Mishra after both were found prima facie guilty of grabbing panchayat land. The Lokayukta is currently probing complaints against at least five UP ministers,  accused of amassing wealth illegally. Many of the accused ministers are very senior BSP leaders and hold several portfolios.