She clearly stated that she is installing elephant statues at various places as a welcome symbol and people should not think of it as an election symbol. On the contrary, the Congress and the Election Commission said that Mayawati is violating the laws and codes of conduct, which are compulsory and to be followed at the time of elections.

According to the reports, Mayawati replied to the opposition parties and said "Congress has always spent large amount of money for promoting the Nehru-Gandhi brand. Whereas I am using elephants statues just as a welcome symbol and people can also find elephant statues at Akshardham temple, Raj Bhavan, Rashtriya Bhavan and also at various other places.