New Delhi, Oct 6 (UNI) The Congress today slammed the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government, accusing it of sharp rise in crimes against Dalits and a complete breakdown of law and order.
The party also demanded resignation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accusing him of failing to control atrocities against Dalits.
Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, senior Congress leader Rajendra Pal Gautam alongwith Imran Masood alleged, “In the last 10 years, atrocities against Dalits in Uttar Pradesh have surged dramatically. Dalits are being murdered, socially boycotted and institutionally discriminated against. Of all Dalit atrocity cases in the country, 75 percent have occurred in five BJP-ruled states. Uttar Pradesh alone contributes 26.2 percent of them”.
Referring to a recent incident in Rae Bareli, Gautam said a Dalit youth was brutally beaten while invoking the name of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
He claimed the accused were seen mocking at him, reportedly saying, “Everyone here supports Baba.”
Stating that this “horrifying incident raises serious questions,” Gautam asked, “Does the UP government not trust the Constitution and the law of the country? Is there no need for courts and police in UP anymore? Have criminals been given a free pass to commit murders in broad daylight? Are these perpetrators acting under the protection of the state government? And Has the Yogi government lost control of law and order completely?”
He further said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath should take moral responsibility and resign and the victim’s family must be given Rs one crore in compensation and a government job to one family member.
Joining Gautam, Imran Masood claimed that democratic principles are deteriorating in the state and that the Constitution is being threatened under the present BJP government.
“Today, the Constitution is under threat. Crimes are rising, and India’s image on the global stage is suffering. The BJP government clearly does not respect constitutional values. Atrocities against Dalits continue unchecked,” Masood alleged.
He also criticised the continued use of bulldozer actions in violation of Supreme Court directives.
“Despite instructions from the Chief Justice of India, bulldozers are still being used as tools of punishment. The rule of law has been replaced by the rule of BJP’s ideology. In UP, crimes against women and Dalits have reached alarming levels. This shows that the BJP government has completely failed to uphold the law and protect the vulnerable,” Masood added.
The Congress leaders called for nationwide awareness and united action to restore constitutional values and protect the rights of marginalized communities, especially Dalits, in BJP-ruled states.
