Lucknow, Oct 9 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Thursday launched 158 development projects worth over Rs 3,000 crore in Lucknow during a function, in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Mayawati, while addressing a gathering on the second death anniversary of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram, said "He (Kanshi Ram) fought for the poor and downtrodden in UP. Due to his attempts I could become the Chief Minister for the fourth time."

During her address Mayawati criticized the previous government at centre and in the state for not declaring Kanshi Ram's death anniversary as a national or state holiday.

She claimed, "Even against the feeling of crores of people that Bharat Ratna should be conferred on late Kanshi Ram, the central government did not pay any heed to it."

Mayawati also released volume three of her book "A Travelogue of my struggle-ridden life and BSP movement".

Earlier on January 15 this year, the Hindi version of the book was released. (ANI)