Date:21/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/21/stories/2008032155620100.htm

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Fashion show turns into farewell show

Special Correspondent

LUCKNOW: A fashion show titled a “Victorian Garden Party” at the official residence of Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Production Commissioner Anis Ansari has led to his removal from office. Mr. Ansari was shunted out by Chief Minister Mayawati late on Wednesday night.

He has been given a week to reply to the official show-cause notice served on him. Meanwhile, he has been placed on the waiting list. Social Welfare Commissioner Rakesh Kumar Mittal has replaced Mr. Ansari as the Agriculture Production Commissioner.

According to State Government rules, an official residence cannot be used for commercial purposes. Exemption is made only for home functions.

The fashion show on Wednesday night to herald the onset of spring was organised by Mr. Ansari’s fashion designer wife, Asma Husein, who runs a fashion institute in Lucknow. Pink was the colour of the fashion show with the models and the ladies assembled on the occasion dressed in pink saris and salwar-kurtas.

As the young models displaying the outfits designed by Ms. Husein sashayed down the ramp erected in the garden of the official residence, the State Government lost no time in initiating action against Mr. Ansari. State Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Mishra’s wife Sarita Mishra was reportedly the chief guest and one of the three judges. Also reportedly present were the wives of other senior IAS officers, including the former District Magistrate of Lucknow, Aradhana Shukla. An IAS officer herself, Ms. Shukla is the wife of Principal Secretary (Cooperatives) Pradeep Shukla. Director of UP Postal Services Abha Singh also graced the occasion.